In Ganderbal district of Indian-administered Kashmir, the Mughal family has suffered two tragedies over 26 years. In January 2000, armed militants broke into their home and killed Ishfaq Ahmad Mughal, who allegedly worked with the Indian army. On March 31, 2026, his younger brother Rashid Ahmad Mughal, aged 32, was shot dead by Indian soldiers. The army claimed Rashid died in crossfire with militants, but local residents rejected this, calling it a staged encounter and demanding an investigation.

Rashid, a graduate who helped villagers with official documents, was buried in a cemetery designated for alleged militants in Kupwara. His brother Ejaz Ahmad Mughal disputed the army’s claim, saying Rashid was a civilian and had never been questioned by police. A police officer confirmed there were no prior cases against him. The promised investigation report remains unpublished.

The case highlights the enduring human toll of the Kashmir conflict, where both militants and security forces have been accused of abuses. Civil society data cited in the report show that between 2008 and 2018, 108 alleged rights violations by Indian forces were investigated, but none led to prosecution.