KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Intensifying crackdown on civilian protestors, forces raided Srinagar’s Chattabal during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.
Reports and local sources said that police and CRPF raided many Mohallas of Chattabal in Old Srinagar to make arrests of those allegedly found involved in anti-India protests. However, people tried to block the arrests. Chattabal comprises of at least thirty six Mohallas.
“Scores of vehicles carrying police and CRPF men raided Chattabal around 12:30 AM,” a local said.
“The forces would first cordon a house, knock door and then jump over the boundary wall inside the house premises and make arrests,” he said.
The locals said that forces had brought ladders with them to enter the houses. “They had brought ladders which are used by fire fighters to force their entry inside the house,” they said.
Following the hue and cry, the locals said, announcements were made in Masjids asking people to come out of their homes. “Slogans were raised and people were asked to come out of their homes to stall the arrests,” a local said.
“At least seven persons were arrested,” he informed, “the detained persons include those whose relatives are alleged to be involved in anti-India protests.”
A resident of Chattabal whose uncle has been arrested told Kashmir Life, “the police have arrested my 65-year-old ailing uncle. Police are alleging that one of my cousins is involved in anti-India protests, so they have detained my uncle instead of him.”
Those who have been arrested in the mid-night raids include Danish, Burhan, Babloo, Parvez, Raju and Gh Mohammad (65).
“The action of forces evoked protests and stone pelting and forces fired tear gas shells before fleeing the area around 2 AM,” a local said.
