Srinagar, April 4 -- Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the Ganderbal encounter following widespread concerns over the killing of a local youngster. While the army initially reported the neutralisation of a terrorist during Wednesday's joint operation at Arhama, the youth's family vehemently contested the claim, asserting he was a civilian. Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for a "transparent and time-bound" probe with public disclosure of facts, while PDP president Mehbooba Mufti alleged the incident was a "fake encounter," identifying the deceased as an orphan who operated an NGO. "I have ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into the Arhama, Ganderbal incident. The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served," the LG's office posted on X. An army spokesperson in Srinagar didn't respond to HT queries for a comment over the development. Though security forces have refrained from officially naming the deceased, the family identified him as 29-year-old Rashid Ahmad Mughal. "They are saying he was a terrorist. Go check his ATM, bank details and see his work in Deputy Commissioner's office and Lar block. If he was a terrorist why didn't police know. We went to file an FIR but received no report from police , " said the slain youth's brother Aijaz Ahmad Mughal "Injustice has happened to us.We want the perpetrators brought to book," he said. An official communication from the home department to the district magistrate of Ganderbal specifically referenced the death of Mughal, a resident of Chuntwaliwar Lar, and requested a detailed investigation into the facts andcircumstances leading to his killing. "Kindly refer to the encounter that took place at Arhama Ganderbal on April 1 resulting in the death of Raashid Ahmad Mughal, resident of Chuntwaliwar Lar, Ganderbal. The issue has been examined and accordingly, you are requested toget a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry conducted into the matter to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death," the order read. The inquiry is mandated to be completed within seven days, with the final report to be submitted directly to the home department. Many political leaders and parties, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have welcomed the initiation of a probe into the encounter. "The decision to initiate a magisterial enquiry into the concerns raised by the family of the individual killed in the Arhama Ganderbal encounter is a constructive and necessary step. The enquiry must be conducted in a fair, transparent, and time-bound manner. Ensuring accountability and upholding justice will strengthen public trust and reaffirm confidence in due process," said BJP media incharge, Kashmir, Sajid Yousuf Shah. PDP leader Iltija Mufti appreciated the LG's move. "Relieved & appreciate LG's swift response in ordering an inquiry after the unfortunate tragic killing of an innocent man from Ganderbal. Evidence so far indicates his innocence and this being a 'fake encounter'. A thorough investigation point fixes accountability along with restoring people's confidence," she said. People's Conference president Sajad Lone urged for a transparent enquiry. "The ordering of a magisterial enquiry by the office of LG, J&K, into the allegations made by the family of the person who was killed in an encounter in Ganderbal, is a welcome step. We hope that a transparent enquiry is conducted and justice prevails," he said. National Conference spokesperson Imran Dar said: "We welcome the probe into Ganderbal encounter. This is timely and important because the allegations by family are concerning and serious."...