Jammu, April 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday refused to enter into the debate on whether a judicial or magisterial probe should be ordered into the Ganderbal encounter, and justified the probe ordered by the lieutenant governor, stating that a prompt inquiry was needed.

The Army has claimed that the man killed in the encounter in Arhama forests on March 31 — identified as Ganderbal resident Rashid Ahmad Mughal — was a terrorist.
However, his family alleged that he had no terror links and termed the encounter fake, while demanding the return of his body for proper burial.
“I will not get into the debate over whether there should be a judicial probe or a magisterial probe,” Omar told reporters in reply to a question on the issue.
Highlighting procedural delays, the CM said ordering a judicial inquiry often takes considerable time.
“The issue with a judicial inquiry is that it takes a lot of time. First of all, sitting judges are not easily available nowadays, and the Supreme Court has also placed considerable restrictions on such appointments. Even bringing in a retired judge is not that easy,” he said.
Advocating a swift process, Omar said, “I believe that the inquiry should be conducted without wasting time. It should be initiated immediately, and if there is truth in the matter, it should be brought before the public.”
Endorsing the magisterial probe ordered by the lieutenant governor, he said, “I think the approach adopted by the lieutenant governor is right. Let the magisterial inquiry do its work, and whatever the truth is, it will come out before the people.”