Following the disappearance of 30-year-old Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, who reportedly went missing after being pursued by cow vigilantes in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his firm stance against what he termed “jungle raj” in the region.
Abdullah called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the authority overseeing law and order in the Union Territory, to take decisive measures against the individuals involved in the incident. He emphasized the need for peace in Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “While we strive for a tranquil environment in our region, there are elements intent on creating chaos and inciting communal tensions.” He further declared that he would not allow the use of religion as a pretext to disrupt the peace in Jammu and Kashmir, labeling Chopan’s disappearance as akin to murder.
During a government function in Bijbehara, Anantnag, Abdullah urged the Lieutenant Governor to clearly communicate that such acts of violence will not be tolerated in the Union Territory.
Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, a resident of Pogal village, was transporting cattle in a pickup truck from Jammu when, on Sunday afternoon, he was reportedly pursued and attacked by individuals identified as cow vigilantes in two vehicles near Digdole in Ramban. They allegedly threw stones at him and eventually forced his vehicle to stop near Maggarkote. It is claimed that after being assaulted, Chopan fled and jumped into a nearby nullah, where he has since been unaccounted for.
In response to the incident, local residents staged a protest by blocking the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near Maggarkote. Authorities have assured the public of a thorough and transparent investigation, announcing the formation of a special investigation team led by Sub Divisional Police Officer Surinder Singh Biloria.
So far, police have apprehended four suspects in connection with the case, identified as Surjeet Singh, Sandeep Singh, Digvijay Singh, and Kewal Singh, all of whom are from Ramban.
Naveed Iqbal, a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, covers Jammu and Kashmir and has over 15 years of experience in frontline journalism. Her reporting provides in-depth insights into the region’s governance and socio-political dynamics.
Specializing in the unique challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, Iqbal’s work encompasses various critical themes, including the political landscape, internal security, and minority affairs. She has extensively covered the dynamics of local political parties and the implications of national policies on regional governance.
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