As the controversy surrounding “hybrid militants” continues, the Kashmiri community seeks clarity from the authorities, demanding transparency and accountability in the use of terminology that could impact the fundamental rights of the people in the region.
In the tranquil setting of Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir, the evening of November 15 erupted into uproar with a sizeable joint operation involving India’s Police, Central Reserve Police Force, and Army in the Hyderpora area. The mission, triggered by authorities’ “credible inputs” about militant presence, unfolded as a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO).
As the forces diligently evacuated the commercial area, the focus landed on a three-story building owned by 48-year-old businessman Mohammad Altaf Bhat. Tragically, the situation took a grim turn, with Bhat, 40-year-old construction business owner Mudasir Gul, and 22-year-old odd job worker Aamir Ahmad Magray allegedly losing their lives during a reported gunfight.
The authorities swiftly labeled this encounter as a triumph against “hybrid militants,” a term that has been gaining attention in Kashmir since October. According to Inspector General Vijay Kumar, these militants are characterised as “terrorists disguised as civilians,” engaging part-time in attacks while maintaining ordinary lives.
However, doubts and skepticism arose when the families of the deceased contested these claims, vehemently asserting that their kin had no links to militancy. The term “hybrid militants” itself became a point of confusion among the local populace and former officials, including ex-Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who expressed his unfamiliarity with the term.Doubts surround the term “hybrid militants” as it continues to grab attention in the disputed Kashmir region, especially following the controversial Hyderpora gunfight involving Aamir Ahmad Magray.
Magray, hired for odd jobs by Mudasir Gul, lived with his sister on the building’s third floor. His absence during the gunfight, as she had returned to their home in the Gool area of Ramban, raised questions about his alleged involvement in militancy.
His father, Lateef Ahmad Magray, emphasised Magray’s civilian status, asserting that authorities would have arrested him during the initial building search if he were a militant. Lateef, citing past militant threats, highlighted his family’s pro-India stance and police protection, recounting his own act of defending against a militant years ago.
Confusion deepened as former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who headed the Unified Command during his tenure, expressed unfamiliarity with the term “hybrid militants.” This lack of awareness was highlighted during Abdullah’s sit-in protest in solidarity with the Hyderpora gunfight victims.
Lateef Magray urged authorities to investigate and remove the “militant” label from his son, questioning the basis for designating him a “hybrid militant.” The situation underscores the need for clarity and understanding of terminology, especially when it carries significant implications for individuals and their families in the complex context of Kashmir.
The controversy deepened as Magray’s family emphasised his civilian status, highlighting that he worked odd jobs and had no affiliations with militants. The term “hybrid militants” became a focal point of contention, with activists raising concerns about its potential misuse, particularly in a region marked by escalating human rights violations since the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy in 2019.
Retired Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda acknowledged the term as a “new challenge” for Indian forces, speculating a shift in militant strategy to ensure their safety. Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain, a prominent political analyst, suggested that the term might be a rebranding of “militant sympathisers” to justify targeting dissent.
Critics, including rights activist Muhammad Ahsan Untoo and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, expressed apprehensions about the vague nature of the term, fearing it could be used to cover intelligence failures and arbitrarily arrest individuals.
The incident in Hyderpora serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and uncertainties prevailing in the conflict-ridden territory, prompting a deeper examination of the evolving dynamics in Kashmir.
