Continuity and Change

Mohammed Asif Khan

In his annual Army Day press conference held on 11 January 2024, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande emphasised the importance of local support in the Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. General Pande acknowledged concerns about the situation in the region over the past five to six months and highlighted the need for community engagement. He asserted a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the army’s commitment to respect for human rights.

The COAS highlighted this because in December, three Kashmiri civilians died, purportedly tortured by army personnel. They were among the 10 picked up after an army convoy had been ambushed in the Rajouri-Poonch area of Jammu division. Four soldiers were killed in the attack. Following the outrage after a video of torture was circulated on social media, the army announced compensation for the victims’ families. It also set up a court of inquiry and moved out a few officers, including a brigadier from the sector where the incident took place. In his press conference, the COAS mentioned that the army has adopted the village from where the civilians were taken.

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