Normal life was partially affected in the district headquarters of Doda and Kishtwar towns of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday as protesters observed a shutdown against the alleged police firing in Bhadarwah that claimed the life of a 30-year-old man.
Authorities said mobile internet services in Doda remained suspended for the second consecutive day amid continuing protests, while internet speeds were throttled in neighbouring Kishtwar as a precautionary measure.
The deceased was identified as Arif Hussain, a resident of Chika village, who was killed during a firing incident in the Jai area of Bhadarwah on Friday.
According to the police, the firing occurred after Hussain allegedly attempted to snatch the service rifle of a policeman during a scuffle with a Special Operations Group (SOG) team. Three SOG personnel were also injured in the incident.
Locals Reject Police Version, Demand CBI Probe
Rejecting the police account, local residents staged large-scale protests during Hussain’s funeral on Friday, alleging that he was innocent. Protesters demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident and strict action against those responsible.
Reports emerging from Doda about the killing of a civilian, Arif Hussain, who was allegedly stabbed and then shot dead by security forces , followed by an internet shutdown across the district, are deeply disturbing.
The administration must act swiftly to establish the facts and… pic.twitter.com/AHruKp9pDa— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 17, 2026
Former Chief Minister and president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti has asked the administration to act swiftly to establish the facts and ensure accountability in the unfortunate incident.
“Reports emerging from Doda about the killing of a civilian, Arif Hussain, who was allegedly stabbed and then shot dead by security forces, followed by an internet shutdown across the district, are deeply disturbing.
The administration must act swiftly to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
J&K must not be allowed to slide towards a situation where allegations of cow smuggling become a pretext for mob violence and the killing of Muslims,” Mehbooba Mufti on X.
Senior CPI(M) leader and MLA M.Y. Tarigami expressed grief over the incident and called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.
In a post on X, Tarigami said he shared the family’s grief and noted that Hussain’s killing had caused deep anguish and unrest in the region. He urged authorities to ensure accountability and justice through an impartial inquiry.
Two Associates Detained; Police Suspect Cattle Smuggling
Officials said two men who were accompanying Hussain at the time of the incident—Rehmatullah and Sajjad Ahmad—were detained late Friday night from Tanda village in Bhadarwah for questioning after they allegedly fled the scene.
A senior police officer ruled out any terror links but said the three men were suspected of being involved in cattle smuggling. According to the officer, the SOG team intercepted them after noticing their suspicious movement, which allegedly led to a confrontation and the subsequent firing.
FIR Registered Under Multiple BNS Sections
Police have registered an FIR under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 121 (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter a public servant from discharging duty), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from duty), and 307 (theft after preparation for causing death, hurt or restraint), among other relevant sections.
Shutdown Affects Markets; Security Tightened
The shutdown was observed following separate calls by local religious groups in Doda and Kishtwar, who alleged that Hussain was innocent and demanded a fair and independent investigation.
Most shops and commercial establishments remained closed in the affected areas, although public transport services operated normally. Authorities deployed additional police and paramilitary personnel at sensitive locations to maintain law and order.
Internet Restrictions Extended
The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department had on Friday ordered the temporary suspension of mobile data services and public Wi-Fi, including broadband internet services, in Doda district from July 17 to July 19.
The order was issued on the recommendation of the Inspector General of Police, Jammu, who is the designated competent authority under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules. The administration said there was a possibility that high-speed internet services could be misused by anti-national or anti-social elements, potentially leading to a deterioration of public order.
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