KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
In a major crackdown on pro-freedom protestors in Srinagar, men in uniform raided Barzulla and arrested at least 20 persons.
Locals sources said that police and CRPF men in around thirty vehicles entered Barzulla around 4:30 AM on Sunday.
“The forces cordoned whole Barzulla and then started entering homes to arrest youths,” sources said. “They dragged youths and their parents out of their homes, paraded them in open and whisked them away in police vans.”
The locals alleged that forces ransacked homes, damaged properties. “My daughter’s wedding is scheduled in a month and they looted her jewellery. My husband is a painter, tell me how can we manage to buy new,” said a resident, whose husband and son were also arrested in the raid.
“One family was not home, its electronic gadgets were damaged,” they informed. “They took away mobile phones as well. And have torn apart my mother’s trousers. Tell me why won’t our boys protest now.”
The locals said that the police arrested elders of the locals as well. “They were looking for some youths but they were not home and instead they arrested their fathers,” the locals said.
The forces, locals said, did not allow people to offer Fajr Namaz in Jamia Masjid Barzulla. “The Muazin was not allowed to enter Masjid,” they said, “and no prayers were allowed. It has happened for the first time.”
The locals started beating drums to make people aware about the raids.
“People have gathered in Eidgah Barzulla and Azaadi taraanay are playing,” a local said, “announcements are being made and people are asked to come out of their homes.”
Police sources said, “arrests have been made but no many…” However, they refuted claims of “loot”.
SHO Sadder Police Station said, “I have no information about it… I am sick… Contact SP… SP South.”
