Shutdown over civilian ‘death’ during anti-militancy operation hits life in J&K’s Chenab Valley

Normal life was affected in the Chenab Valley’s Doda and Kishtwar districts on Saturday (July 18, 2026) due to a shutdown in protest against the killing of a civilian allegedly during an anti-militancy operation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s special cell, Special Operations Group (SOG). 

Most shops and private businesses remained closed in Bhaderwah and Doda towns as residents responded to the call of local religious leaders. Arif Hussain, 30, a driver by profession, died allegedly of a “gunshot wound” during an operation by the police along the Jaie-Gandoh road, 35 km from Bhaderwah town. Around 11:30 p.m., the police team had spotted the youth in the area.

“An FIR must be registered, and a fair, impartial investigation must follow in the incident. No one is above the law. Those found responsible should be held accountable, and the victim’s family must receive justice,” said Doda legislator Mehraj Malik.

According to the victim’s family, Hussian had gone on a picnic. Locals took to the streets against the killing and demanded an investigataion and justice for the family. The victim is survived by a pregnant wife and a four-year-old son.

The police have not issued any statement so far about the circumstances under which the man got killed. Two police personnel were also reportedly injured in the incident.

Kashmir chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said such incidents, including the recent killing of Rashid Ahmad Mughal in Ganderbal, “were against all norms of human and civil rights and law”.

“They deepen fear and mistrust. Authorities should immediately investigate, fix accountability, make the findings public and punish the perpetrators,” the Mirwaiz said.