Pahalgam: innocent Kashmiris decry blasting houses, random arrests
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Srinagar: As a fresh measure against terrorists in Kashmir, the Indian administration has resorted to blowing up their houses in the valley following the deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. However, while conducting the blast, the authorities are giving no care to the properties surrounding the targeted structure, it is learned, as complaints, protests and outrage are brewing in Kashmir.
So far, nine properties apparently belonging to militants have been destroyed in blasts, but many houses surrounding them suffered extensive damage, too. One such blast seriously damaged 16 houses around it.
According to locals and the affected families, the authorities refrained from officially acknowledging any apart from dropping hints in informal messages shared with journalists, The Telegraph reported.
In another case, a family wedding was cancelled just days before due to losses suffered during a blast. This was because the family wasn’t given enough time to remove their special belongings.
It was on Thursday night the serial blasts of militants’ houses started, but local politicians did not speak out over fear of being hounded by the BJP rule in the Centre, sources told The Telegraph.
At last, voicing her concern, People’s Democratic Party head Mehbooba Mufti said on Sunday that the Centre must ensure a clear distinction between militants and innocent people. New Delhi must not alienate innocent Kashmiris, particularly those opposing terror, she said and added that there are reports that thousands are being arrested and scores of houses of common Kashmiris being demolished along with those of militants.
Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said that Kashmiris collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice. However, the indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of (the) demolition of houses and neighbourhoods are disturbing and distressing. The authorities must not punish innocent families.
Prominent leaders in the valley wondered what these blasts would achieve in the fight against terror and added that Kashmir and its people are being given collective punishment.
