Srinagar: As security forces responded to the April 22 terrorist attack on Pahargam and continued to demolish family houses of wanted terrorists in the Kashmir Valley, various political parties, leaders and civil society groups have criticized the heavy approach. They warned the government that “collective punishment” for individual actions against the entire family will alienate Kashmiris.
Security forces in the valley tear down four more family homes with wanted militants and terrorists on Sunday. In the past three days, at least 10 houses have been demolished in the areas of Pulwama, Anatnag, Shopian, kulgam, bandipora and kupwara, with explosives frequently used, and affected relatives claiming they are not involved in the armed forces.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah joined the choir on Sunday that innocent people were damaged by mortgages from the tough counter-terrorism campaign, which was attacked by security forces after Pahargam attacks.
“After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, a decisive struggle must be carried out and its origins. The Kashmir people openly oppose terrorism and the murder of innocent people, and they did it freely and spontaneously.”
J&K CM added: “It is time to build on this support and avoid any alienation actions. Punish guilt, no mercy, but don’t let innocent people become collateral damage.”
Mr. Abdullah’s National Conference colleague and Lok Sabha member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi claimed: “Kashmir and Kashmiris are subject to collective punishment.”
Former Chief Minister and President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti said the center should act with caution to avoid alienating innocent people when opposing terrorist operations.
“The Indian government must act with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians after the recent Pahargam attack. It must not alienate innocent people, especially those who oppose terror.”
Ms. Mufti also said: “There are reports of thousands of arrests and dozens of ordinary Kashmiris were demolished along with militants. (Appeals to the government to direct the authorities to take care of innocent people, not to be self-righteous, because neither the targets of the terrorists of the foreigners and the targets of fear made people feel candid.”
Kashmir’s chief Muslim cleric and chairman of separatist Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a social media post, said, “While Kashmiris collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of the demolition of houses and neighborhoods are disturbing and distressing.”
The pastor urges authorities to not punish innocent Kashmir families when seeking justice for innocent victims.
Former minister and president of the J&K People’s Congress Sajad Gani Lone said there was a common feeling throughout the valley that the entire family was punished for one person’s actions.
“We also turn to the courts for help and call it a collective punishment, inspired by the Criminal Tribe Act of 1871, where the British convinced their crimes and attributed them to their ancestors,” he added, adding that the use of collectiveness to define crime or terrorism was a curse that would allow for reconciliation and social built-in. ”
Lorne said that while referring to the widespread condemnation of the Pharjahm massacre and mass protests, Lorne said it was a huge shift in their mindset, he hoped that the achievements made after the outrageous massacre could be understood among those at the helm, and that “none of these valuable fanatics was restricted.”
Meanwhile, police said here on Sunday that two “hard-core terrorist groups” were arrested and arrested and detained under the strict Public Safety Act (PSA) in central Budgam. Police identified them as Tahir Ahmad Kumar and Shabir Ahmad Ganai and said the arrests followed ongoing efforts and feasible intelligence, which showed that the duo were involved in providing active support to terrorists doing business in the region.
Police said that by calling the PSA, it is possible to detain that PSA for up to two years without seeking a formal trial, and authorities ensured their detention to prevent further threats to peace and public order.
Police claimed that the duo “helps promote terrorist activities, including movements, shelters, logistical support and their continued participation in anti-ethnic activities and their role in inspiring local youth to join prohibited (terrorist) organizations”.
It added: “The use of PSA is considered necessary and its detention is an important step towards the demolition of the terrorist support network in the region.”
