Kashmir Crackdown: Leaders Question Mass Arrests & Demolitions Post-Anantnag Attack
Kashmir Crackdown: Leaders Question Mass Arrests & Demolitions Post-Anantnag Attack
Amidst mass arrests and demolitions in Kashmir following the Anantnag attack, regional leaders like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq voice strong objections, calling for dialogue over 'collective punishment.' Get the full story!
A wave of anger and anxiety is sweeping through regional political circles in Kashmir following the Anantnag terror attack, which tragically claimed the life of a policeman two days ago. Leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, and MP Aga Syed Ruhullah, are raising serious questions about the large-scale arrests and home demolitions targeting families of alleged terrorists in the region.
Addressing a congregation at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq highlighted the intense crackdown, stating that the past two days have seen "large-scale detentions, questioning and harassment of youth across Kashmir." He reported that over 2,000 young men have been picked up on allegations of being "over-ground workers" (OGWs). Another report indicated that up to 2,500 OGWs have been detained, with forces launching a major crackdown and Kashmir placed on high alert. The terror group LeT's front organization, TRF, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing.
Mirwaiz vehemently criticized these actions, asserting that "an act of violence by one cannot justify collective punishment for all." He called for a thorough investigation into the Anantnag attack to bring the responsible parties to justice, but stressed that "innocent youth and their families should not be scapegoats and made to suffer." The reports of house demolitions, which render families homeless, were labeled by Mirwaiz as "another extrajudicial and unjust measure," warning that such steps "deepen resentment and are ultimately counterproductive."
In a related development, the Mirwaiz welcomed the release on bail of Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj, offering a glimmer of positive news amidst the ongoing tensions.
Furthermore, Mirwaiz commented on recent student protests in New Delhi, urging authorities to engage with the "genuine concerns" of young people rather than resorting to policing and force. He drew a parallel between the pellet injuries reported among protesters in Delhi and the long history of pellet gun use in Kashmir, calling it a "painful reminder" of the devastating consequences suffered by hundreds of Kashmiris. He reiterated that force cannot resolve grievances, whether in Delhi or Kashmir, emphasizing that "dialogue, accountability" are the true solutions.
