Bandipoa villagers migrate after harassment by troops
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Mir TariqBandipora, June 09: Various families in north Kashmir’s Bandipore’s district are migrating to save themselves from the ‘harassment of troopers’.These families residing close to an army camp have locked their homes and are moving towards safer locations in order to save themselves from the disturbance of the troopers in Seer Mollaha Aragam Bandipora.
After alleging army men of molestation, these families decide to move away inside the village as they feel insecure after they openly protested against the Army in Aragam."We are leaving our homes for saving ourselves. There is no guarantee about the attitude of the Army," said Hameeda Begum, adding, "We are leaving our houses as Army can do anything to us."Begum said: "Troops entered our houses many times but when they try to enter during night times, we retaliate as we have no men in our homes as they remain on their duties far away from homes." Kulsooma Begum, another resident of the area said, "I left my house as on June 8 evening four army men in civvies entered our one storey house from the roof side while I was boiling milk."The army personnel in civvies threw cigarette bits in the boiling milk, she said adding, “I screamed for help and people gathered in front of my house and staged a protest."The entire village of Chitaybanday, Argam come on roads Saturday night demanding stern action against the erring troopers in civvies who were accused of molestation of women by the villagers.The youth of the village fear that the army may target them as they took part in the protest demonstrations and raised anti-army slogans."Army might now target us. This is what they did after the Kunan molestation case, during which hundreds of youths were taken into custody," said Mushtaq Ahmed."Several youths have left the village and moved to other villages and are residing with their relatives,” said Irfan Ahmed, Isfaq Ahmed and Hilal Ahmed. "Police should guarantee our security."However the army denounced the allegations of locals on the same day.SHO Abdul Kahlid Karnai said, “No one can harm any civilian in the village. Those who feel any fear or apprehension can contact the nearest police chowki at Argam village."People demanded that the erring troopers who were in civvies and masquerading themselves as militants should be bought to book to prevent such incidents in future.