Police harassing Bandipora youth
Imams condemn, demand action
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Mir Tariq Bandipora, July 11: Residents of this north Kashmir district on Friday accused police of harassing them for participating in the recent protests against the land transfer, while Imams of the district condemned the police action and demanded that “harassment” of the youth should stop forthwith. “Police has made a list of at least forty youth, who participated in the protests against the land transfer. Policemen are raiding different houses and are asking the youth to present themselves at the Police Station,” a group of residents told Rising Kashmir.
According to the residents frequency of the police raids have increased in last few days. "Policemen are visiting our houses regularly and are threatening us of dire consequences for taking part in the protests,” said, Mahjabeen Begum (name Changed). "Entire Kashmir was on the streets to protest against the decision. Freedom of expression is our fundamental right and police cannot stop us from raising our voice,” said Muhammad Ramzan.He said that if police keeps on “harassing’ the youth, residents will be left with no other option other than taking to the roads again. “Prompt action should be taken against the police officer who is directing his men to intimidate the residents,” Ramzan added. "We are feeling insecure as policemen have unleashed a reign of terror in the area," said Azad Ahmed Akhoon (name changed) whose brother has been arrested. Meanwhile Imams of various Masjids, including Grand Imam Moulana Khursheed Ahmed Nadvi during Friday congregation prayers condemned the police action. "Police should refrain from harassing the youth as they were not protesting against the police. Protests were not confined to Bandipora district only. Protests were held all throughout the Valley,” Nadvi told a Friday congregation here. “District administration should take a strong note of it and act accordingly.” Nadvi added. Imams of other Masjids too condemned the police action and demanded that harassment should stop forthwith. Top police officials in the district remained tightlipped about the issue and refused to comment.