Kulgam witnessed a disturbing turn of events on Sunday when a man set himself on fire outside a police station after officers detained his two sons during an ongoing terror module crackdown. The incident has triggered tension in the south Kashmir district. It has also intensified scrutiny on the broader investigation that began with the arrest of an accused doctor earlier this month.
The man, identified as Bilal Ahmad Wani, reportedly reached the police station after receiving a call from officials. Moments later, he poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze. Locals who were nearby rushed to help him and alerted authorities. He was immediately taken to a hospital with severe burn injuries. His condition remains critical.
Family Claims Sons Were Picked Up Days Apart
According to Wani’s family, the crisis began several days earlier. They claimed that his younger son, Jasir Bilal, a college student, was allegedly picked up by police four days ago. Two days later, his elder son, Nabeel Ahmad, a government school teacher, was also detained. The family said they were informed that both were being questioned in connection with a terror module operating in parts of south Kashmir.
Relatives said the sudden detentions left the family shaken. Wani, who had been visiting the police station frequently for updates, reportedly became increasingly distressed as uncertainty grew. His wife said the call summoning him to the station on Sunday morning “broke him completely,” leading to the extreme act.
Police: Detentions Part of Larger Investigation
Police sources said the detentions were linked to the recent arrest of a doctor accused of involvement in a terror support network. The crackdown intensified after investigators recovered digital evidence pointing to a wider circle of contacts. The police have not released full details but indicated that multiple individuals are being questioned during the operation.
Officials emphasized that the detentions were procedural and followed investigative leads. They said both sons were being questioned, not formally arrested, and that due process was being followed. Senior officers added that the man’s self-immolation attempt was “unexpected and tragic,” and that an internal review is underway.
The ongoing investigation is part of a broader effort to dismantle radical networks in Kashmir. Similar actions have been taken in the past based on intelligence inputs, as documented in previous counter-terror reports on platforms such as the Ministry of Home Affairs website and security analyses published by leading research institutes.
Chaos Outside the Police Station
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic outside the station when Wani set himself on fire. Bystanders scrambled to put out the flames using jackets and blankets. Some questioned how he managed to carry flammable material near the premises. Others said the act reflected the emotional pressure families face during repeated detentions.
Local residents expressed fear that the incident could worsen tensions in an already sensitive region. Community elders appealed for calm, urging both families and authorities to prevent escalation.
Administration Calls for Calm, Orders Inquiry
Hours after the incident, the district administration issued a statement urging the public not to fall for misinformation. Officials said a preliminary inquiry into the self-immolation attempt has been ordered. They stressed that the ongoing terror module probe would continue while ensuring transparency.
A senior official said the administration is in touch with the family. He added that the government would ensure “fairness, accountability, and strict adherence to legal procedures” as the investigation progresses.
Human Rights Concerns Emerge
Human rights advocates reacted strongly, calling for clarity on the exact circumstances of the sons’ detention. Some argued that prolonged questioning without communication adds stress to families. Others emphasized that emotional reactions should not overshadow the seriousness of counter-terror operations.
Legal experts noted that detentions under suspicion must follow clear guidelines. They also urged families to engage legal aid and maintain communication with district authorities.
Community on Edge Ahead of Further Police Action
Kulgam residents remain tense as more questioning and possible detentions are expected in the coming days. Many fear that Sunday’s tragic event could fuel mistrust between civilians and law enforcement. Some local leaders have called for community-police meetings to rebuild communication and reduce fear.
The region has seen similar crackdowns in recent years. Administrative officials say these efforts are necessary to prevent recruitment, radicalization, and logistical support for terror groups. They stress that peaceful citizens will not face action unless evidence directly links them to illegal activities.
Call to Action
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