Poonch ambush: Man called for questioning dies by poison

JAMMU: A 35-year-old man summoned by police for questioning in connection with the April 20 Poonch terrorist attack died Thursday after taking poison two days ago and recording a brief video that shows him explaining that he chose to end his life because “my truth is being taken as a lie”.
The death of Mukhtar Hussain Shah of Nar Mendhar village triggered protests, with relatives and locals blocking the Jammu-Poonch road at Bhata Dhurian—the place where five Rashtriya Rifles soldiers died last week when terrorists ambushed their truck with grenades and gunshots.
An official said about 60 people have been detained so far and many were let off after questioning. “Mukhtar Hussain was not summoned as a suspect. He was called for questioning because his house was close to the ambush site. Inquest proceedings were initiated,” the official said.
Mukhtar died in Government Medical College, Rajouri. In the clip, he’s heard saying he was recording the video under no pressure from anyone. He mourned the death of the soldiers and hoped that “my people will stand by the country, and take care of my children and wife”.
“I helped the Army and police in last year’s operation. I have no links with any terrorist or terror group… Many people are suffering as they feel Mukhtar is wrong, they shouldn’t keep this in mind. My people are being detained and my truth is being taken as a lie,” he said in the video.
Sources said Mukhtar was upset over some domestic issues.