Pulwama: As many as 35 persons, including two minors, have been detained by government forces during raids in different areas of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
As per reports government forces conducted raids in Tral, Awantipora, Pampore and Khrew areas of Pulwama district and arrested 35 persons.
According to locals, “soon after the suicide attack in Pulwama last week, government forces have been conducting raids in the homes of militants, their relatives and friends besides carrying out random raids” adding “They not only detain youths but also harass their family members.”
A juvenile was detained by the government forces on 16 February from Khasipora, Tral. His school registration card shows he is 15. “My son was sleeping when he was detained by the forces. The next day we went to see him and we were told he would be released soon. Only on Monday did I get to see him in the police lockup. He was crying,” the boy’s father said.
Another juvenile, also 15, was detained from Dadsara area of Tral. “I don’t know why they have detained him. They haven’t allowed us to meet him,” said the detainee’s brother.
A police official said the 35 people have been detained for questioning. Superintendent of police Awantipora Tahir Saleem Khan said, “I have recently joined the office and will look into the matter.” (GK)
