Did a Kulgam Resident Jump into the River Amid Security Allegations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray jumped into the Veshaw River while trying to escape security forces.
- Local politicians are calling for an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
- The incident was captured on video, raising further questions about security operations.
- Magray had allegedly provided assistance to terrorists in the area.
- Security forces are urging the public to refrain from spreading false narratives.
Srinagar, May 5 (NationPress) In a tragic incident raising serious concerns, the body of 23-year-old Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray was reportedly discovered in a river after allegations emerged that he was apprehended by security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. Official sources revealed on Monday that Magray had leaped into the river while attempting to escape after being taken to identify the location of a terrorist hideout.
According to police reports, Imtiyaz Magray had previously provided food and shelter to terrorists operating in the Kulgam area. He drowned after jumping into the river during a moment of panic as he sought to evade the security personnel.
Footage captured from an elevated position shows Magray abruptly diving into the rocky waters after briefly surveying the surrounding forest.
Magray was detained by police on Saturday. During his interrogation, he admitted to supplying food and logistical support to terrorists hiding in the forests of Tangmarg, Kulgam.
“He consented to guide the security forces to the terrorists' hideout. However, on Sunday morning, while accompanying a team of police and Army personnel to raid the location, Magray attempted to flee by jumping into the Veshaw River.
“This dramatic moment was also recorded on video. There was no one else nearby when he chose to escape. The footage depicted him struggling to swim against the powerful current, which ultimately swept him away and led to his drowning. The entire incident was documented on film.
“Security forces have expressed their disapproval towards those spreading false narratives regarding the incident, asserting that the forces should not be wrongly held accountable for the man’s tragic demise,” sources stated.
Earlier on Sunday, National Conference (NC) MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, called for an investigation into the youth's death, alleging that 'Kashmiris should not be treated as collateral damage following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.'
The MP also cautioned against the perception of Kashmiris as collateral damage, emphasizing that counter-terrorism actions should not manifest as collective punishment in the aftermath of last month’s Pahalgam terror attack.
People's Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, accused authorities of orchestrating a conspiracy behind Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray's death.
“Another body has emerged from a river in Kulgam, sparking serious accusations of foul play. Local inhabitants claim that Imtiyaz Magray was taken by the Army two days prior, and now, his body has inexplicably appeared in the river,” she remarked on X.
This incident marks yet another case of a local individual being implicated in providing food and support to terrorists with cross-border links.