Make details of magisterial probe into Ganderbal encounter public: Omar Abdullah

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday (April 6, 2026) demanded that the magisterial inquiry into the Ganderbal encounter, in which one local was killed, “be made public once completed.” 

“The inquiry should proceed without wasting time. The truth and facts should come out before the public. Let the inquiry do its job, and the truth will be brought before the people,” said Mr. Abdullah.

The Army on April 1 claimed to have killed a terrorist in Ganderbal’s Arhama forest area during a cordon and search operation. The Army said a weapon and ammunition were also recovered at the encounter site. However, a family claimed that the slain was “a civilian with no links with militants” and identified him as Raashid Ahmad Mughal, a resident of Chuntwaliwar village of Ganderbal’s Lar.

Mr. Abdullah appreciated the route adopted by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and termed the “magisterial inquiry as an appropriate step”. “I do not want to get into whether it should be a judicial or magisterial inquiry. It is not easy to get a sitting judge these days, and the Supreme Court of India has placed restrictions to a large extent. Even appointing a retired judge is not that simple,” said Mr. Abdullah.

Meanwhile, the J&K Chief Minister handed over compassionate appointment letters to 124 beneficiaries of the Jammu division.

“Getting a government job is often the happiest day in one’s life, but in your case, it comes after losing a loved one. The trauma you endure is far greater than any examination. In many ways, it is more difficult than clearing even the toughest competitive exams,” he said.

Mr. Abdullah said he chose to personally hand over the appointment letters to convey the government’s empathy and solidarity with the affected families. “We could have sent these orders to your homes, but I wanted to be here to assure you that the government stands with you in this difficult time,” he added.