'Perpetrators will be brought to book': J&K LG orders 'thorough and transparent probe' into Kathua killings

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir's lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday vowed to ensure justice and fix accountability after three civilians were killed in a remote area in Billawar tehsil of Kathua district.
In a social media post on X, Sinha condoled the deaths and said that a thorough and transparent probe has been ordered over the incident.
"I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the brutal killing of Varun Singh, Yogesh Singh and Darshan Singh of Kathua. In this hour of grief, I offer my deepest condolences to their families and friends," Sinha said.

"I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation, and all the necessary support to the families will be provided. I assure the people that the perpetrators will be brought to book at the earliest. Justice will be ensured and accountability will be fixed," he added.
Earlier on Saturday, bodies of three civilians who went missing was found in Ishu nullah in the remote Malhar area in the higher reaches of the district
Darshan Singh (40) and Yogesh Singh (32) and Varun Singh (15), went missing on March 5 while returning from a marriage function in Lohai Malhar, Billawar tehsil.
A large-scale search operation was launched in the Lohai Malhar area of Kathua district to locate them.
Meanwhile, Union minister Jitendra Singh pointed to the involvement of terrorists in the killings.
"The brutal killing of 3 youth by terrorists in Bani area of district Kathua is extremely sad as well as a matter of great concern. There appears to be a deep conspiracy behind spoiling the atmosphere in this peaceful area," the minister, who represents Udhampur Parliamentary constituency that covers Kathua, said on X.
"We have discussed this matter with the officials concerned. The Union Home Secretary himself is reaching Jammu so that the situation can be assessed on the spot. I am confident that it will be ensured that such incidents do not happen again and the confidence of the people remains strong," he said.
Deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary also condemned the killings, and said "increasing crime is a matter of concern."
A shutdown was observed in Billawar and adjoining areas on Sunday to protest the killing of the three civilians.
"This is a clear case of target killings by terrorists, engulfing the peaceful area in fear and anger...we want the government to intensify the anti-terrorist operations in the forests to neutralise the terrorists hiding in the forests for the last one year," local BJP leader Gopal Krishan, who led a group of protesters at Phinter chowk, said.
He said the people will not allow the terrorists to succeed in their designs and harm the communal harmony by carrying out selective killings.