KT NEWS SERVICE | SabrangIndia https://sabrangindia.in/content-author/kt-news-service/ News Related to Human Rights Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:57:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://sabrangindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Favicon_0.png KT NEWS SERVICE | SabrangIndia https://sabrangindia.in/content-author/kt-news-service/ 32 32 Homes Destroyed, Mass Detentions Following Pahalgam Attack https://sabrangindia.in/homes-destroyed-mass-detentions-following-pahalgam-attack/ Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:57:55 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=41496 Mass Detentions and Demolitions Spark Tensions in Kashmir After Deadly Assault

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SRINAGAR: In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, security forces have launched extensive operations across Kashmir, demolishing about a dozen houses using explosives and conducting widespread searches and detentions.

At least 1500 people are said to have been detained.

The demolitions have occurred in multiple districts including Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, Kupwara, and Bandipora. According to reports, approximately 100 residences have been searched since yesterday, with at least a dozen being destroyed, causing collateral damage to neighbouring properties.

Security operations have been particularly intense in Sopore, while three villages in south Kashmir’s Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama districts were raided yesterday. In scenes reminiscent of 1990s tactics, residents were reportedly ordered to gather in open fields while searches were conducted.

Houses Demolished

Among the properties destroyed were homes belonging Ehsan Ul Haq Sheikh, 23, from Pulwama’s Murran area, Zakir Ahmad Ganai, 29, from Kulgam’s Matalhama village, Shahid Ahmad Kutay, 27, from Shopian’s Chotipora, Farooq Teedwa in Kalaroos, Kupwara, Adnan Shafi Dar from Shopian’s Zainapora and Jameel Ahmad Gojri from Naaz Colony in Bandipora

Local residents in Pulwama’s Murran reported that the explosion at Sheikh’s property was so powerful that neighbouring houses developed cracks and windows were shattered from the impact.

According to Outlook magazine: “The house of LeT terrorist Farooq Teedwa was damaged in a blast in Kalaroos Kupwara on Saturday as he is allegedly involved in Pahalgam terror attack. Teedwa is currently in Pakistan, as per reports.”

On Friday night, the house of Ahsan ul Haq Sheikh in the Muran area of Pulwama district was torn down, officials said, adding that he was ‘trained in Pakistan’ in 2018 and had recently ‘infiltrated’ into the Valley. In a similar action in Chotipora of the Shopian district, the house of an active top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Shahid Ahmad Kuttay was razed, they said. Kuttay, active for the past three to four years, has been involved in many anti-national activities, the officials claimed, according to the report

At the Matalhama area of the Kulgam district, the residence of Zakir Ahmad Ganie, who has been active since 2023 and was under surveillance for his alleged involvement in multiple terror-related activities, was also pulled down during the night, they said.”

Earlier, the houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including that of the Pahalgam terror attack’s prime suspect, were destroyed when explosives believed to be stored there went off during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, officials said.

On Friday, the houses of Aadil Hussain Thokar, accused of helping in the execution of the Pahalgam bloodbath, and Asif Sheikh, also believed to be involved in the attack, were being searched by security forces when an explosion damaged the structures in Bijbehara and Tral.”

Outlook’s detailed report said that “Hilal Ahmad Thokar, 22, lost his parents when he was young and was brought up by his uncle Ali Mohammad Hokar. He was about to get married on May 10 and had even taken a loan for his wedding. Thokar works as a labourer and earns Rs. 10,000 a month.”

Several other adjoining houses were affected and suffered damages.

Mass Detentions

The crackdown has led to numerous detentions, with 175 people reportedly held in Anantnag district alone. In Srinagar, police searched 65 houses. According to a police briefing given to Delhi journalists, approximately 1,500 local youth have been detained thus far.

In Srinagar, raids were conducted in multiple areas including Safakadal, Soura, Pandach Bemina, Shalteng, Lal Bazar, and Zadibal.

While earlier reports suggested that The Resistance Front (TRF), the shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was responsible behind the Pahalgam attack, the group on Saturday denied any role in it.

Civilian Death

In a separate incident, 45-year-old Ghulam Rasool Magray from Kandi, Kupwara, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at around 10:45 PM on Saturday. The assailants fired at him inside his residence at Kandi Khas. Magray was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

While some media outlets described Magray as a social activist, his family has denied this characterization. According to family members and neighbors, he reportedly had a speech impediment and was said to be not fully stable.

Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, MLA from Langate constituency, stated: “The administration and government need to stand with the family members of Ghulam Rasool Magray.” He added, “We all need to stand with the people of Kashmir.”

The Pahalgam militant attack, which claimed 26 lives – 25 tourists and one local pony operator on April 22. While earlier reports suggested that The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was responsible behind the attack, the group in a statement in circulation denied any role in it. The veracity of the statement could not be ascertained.

“After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people, they did this freely & spontaneously,” Omar said in a post on X. “It’s time to build on this support and avoid any misplaced action that alienates people. Punish the guilty, show them no mercy but don’t let innocent people become collateral damage,” he added.

Courtesy: Kashmir Times

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Kashmir’s Fragile Calm: Indicator of Silence or Real Peace? https://sabrangindia.in/kashmirs-fragile-calm-indicator-of-silence-or-real-peace/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 04:34:47 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=40097 As Kashmir sees fewer shutdowns and rising tourism, many ask — does stability mean true peace or just enforced silence?

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BARAMULLA: In a quiet neighbourhood of Baramulla, Ghulam Mohammad, a 48-year-old shopkeeper, sits outside his small grocery store, sipping a cup of nun chai.

“We have seen so much chaos,” he says, gazing at the snow-capped mountains. “Now things are better. The internet stays on, and there’s less fear on the streets.”

But as he raises his head, he whispers, “it feels like silence, not peace.”

His words echo a nagging question across the Valley: Has normalcy truly returned to Kashmir?

On the surface, the signs of normalcy are unmistakable. Internet shutdowns, once a near-inevitable response to protests and unrest, have significantly reduced in scale and frequency.

A file photo of journalists’ protest against internet shutdown in Srinagar on December 14, 2019.
A file photo of journalists’ protest against internet shutdown in Srinagar on December 14, 2019. KT Photo/Qazi Irshad

They still occur, but they are now localised and brief, rather than widespread and prolonged. Businesses are recovering, foreign and national companies have started exploring opportunities in the region, and students are back in classrooms — both physical and virtual.

A local tourist guide, happy with the tourist footfall, however, is sceptical. “Tourism does not mean peace. We’ve seen tourism in the past, but now it has become a political project to gloss over everything else,” he says.

For Mubashir, a young entrepreneur in Baramulla, uninterrupted internet access has been a game-changer.

“Earlier, every shutdown was like a dead end for us,” he says. “Now, I get bookings through Instagram and WhatsApp. For the first time in years, I feel like I can plan my future.”

But beneath these signs of progress, there remains a larger question — does this indicate real peace, or is it merely a veneer over unresolved tensions?

The question of normalcy in Kashmir invites mixed responses.

Taskin, a college student, welcomes the stability but remains cautious.

“Uninterrupted internet has helped me with my studies,” she admits.

Illustration: 2019, Suhail Naqshbandi
Illustration: 2019, Suhail Naqshbandi

“But I don’t feel completely free to express myself. With state censorship in place, no one dares to speak their mind in educational institutions or on social media. Any dissent is crushed with an iron hand, whether it comes from a student, a farmer, or a professor.”

Despite government claims of progress, many Kashmiris express lingering unease. “There’s still fear,” says Hamid. “I don’t even feel comfortable sharing a story… I always have to be very cautious about what I write or like on social media.”

This sense of caution is widespread among students. Many acknowledge the improved access to education but remain sceptical about the cost of silence.

When asked how she defines normalcy, Taskin says: “There is a difference between silence and peace. When people are compelled through force to either stay silent or make outrightly false statements, claiming that just because there is silence, there is peace, is not only misleading but dangerous.”

Another resident explains: “What seems normal to the outer eye is a soft power of oppression for the natives. What is being normalized nowadays is not what defines Kashmiri essence or how it was.” He points to the increasing drug abuse and remarks, “That doesn’t depict normalcy!”

CRPF personnel patrol Lal Chowk area in Srinagar in August 2024.
‘Surge in Arrests Under Draconian Laws in Jammu and Kashmir; Journalists, Activists and Civilians Targeted’

For journalists, the narrative of normalcy is particularly challenging. A local editor, speaking on condition of anonymity, describes an atmosphere of self-censorship.

Journalism and ‘Normalcy’

“Journalists in Kashmir live under constant fear,” he says.

“Whether it’s a public interest story or something related to administration, one must think multiple times before pursuing it. Even if you manage to write a report, a back channel investigation into your background, career, family, and social circle will follow. Every detail of your life is scrutinised. If you make a mistake, you will be punished—not for being inaccurate, but for simply doing your job,” he says.

When asked about the government’s claims of normalcy, the journalist scoffs.

“Since 2019, the government has been pushing a narrative of ‘normalcy’, claiming that things have improved and that positive changes have taken place.”

“But if you look closely, this so-called normalcy is nothing but a facade. The truth is, people here feel suffocated. Journalists, activists, and anyone who dares to speak out are being silenced. There is a blanket ban on international travel for journalists and social activists, and those who challenge the status quo are thrown behind bars.”

“The so-called ‘normalcy’ exists only for those who blindly accept the government’s version of events — right or wrong. Meanwhile, anyone who raises their voice is criminalised. How can we call this normalcy? It’s a harsh reality that nobody can ignore.”

The challenges for independent journalism in Kashmir remain immense.

“As an independent journalist, I can say this from experience: if my story touches on security-related issues and gets published in national or international outlets, I will be haunted for months by the fear of repercussions.”

“What if the police don’t like it? What if the administration targets me? This is a daily reality for us — a fear that gnaws at you every single day. The sad truth is, survival as a journalist here is only possible if you toe the pro-government line. If you deviate, the consequences are dire.”

“This isn’t just about journalism. It’s about the very essence of freedom of expression being suffocated.”

CRPF personnel patrol Lal Chowk area in Srinagar in August 2024.
Ahead Of Elections, Global Report Points Out India Is Targeting, Silencing Critics

Business as Usual?

In the bustling marketplaces of Srinagar, shopkeepers share similar concerns. While internet access and reduced violence have brought some relief, many believe that stability remains fragile.

“I feel safer now compared to a few years ago,” says Bilal Ahmad, a trader. “But challenges remain — unemployment, surveillance, and a lingering sense of unease. It’s not the kind of peace that lets you sleep easy.”

When asked about the impact of reduced military encounters, Bilal reflects, “Of course, it’s better not hearing gunshots. But what we really need is lasting peace — one that allows us to move freely, without fear.”

Decades of conflict and turmoil have left deep psychological scars on Kashmiris.

Farah Shah, a counsellor working with conflict-affected youth, sees the impact daily.

“Most people, especially the youth, have never been able to process past conflicts. The stress of daily life just piles up on old trauma, and there aren’t enough resources to help them cope with.”

“You cannot measure normalcy simply by the absence of gunfire,” she explains. “The trauma of years of violence runs deep. It will take more than a few years of calm to heal.”

For many, the idea of normalcy in Kashmir remains complex.

While reduced violence, economic growth, and a booming tourism sector are positive indicators, locals emphasise that true peace is about more than just development — it is about justice, dignity, and the freedom to express oneself without fear.

As Bilal Ahmad puts it: “Peace is not just silence —i t is when people can live with honour, without fear. We are not there yet.”

(The identity of the reporter of this story has been withheld due to fear of potential reprisal.)

Courtesy: The Kashmir Times

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Iron-Fist To ‘False Complaints’: J&K Circular Tightens Screws On Complaints Against Officials And Media Scrutiny https://sabrangindia.in/iron-fist-to-false-complaints-jk-circular-tightens-screws-on-complaints-against-officials-and-media-scrutiny/ Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:37:50 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=36628 A circular ostensibly aimed at protecting ‘honest officials from harassment’ recommends punitive action under 182 of IPC and section 195(1)(a) of CrPC against whistleblowers and media

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JAMMU/SRINAGAR: In a controversial move that critics are calling an attempt to curtail accountability of bureaucrats and officers in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has issued a new circular aimed at cracking down on what it terms “false” complaints against public servants.

This development comes at a time when the region’s administration is virtually run by bureaucrats, who have become increasingly powerful in the absence of a political dispensation, delayed elections, and the ongoing disenfranchisement of the local population.

The General Administration Department (Vigilance) of Jammu and Kashmir issued Circular No. 14-JK(GAD) of 2024 on June 20, 2024, outlining measures to deal with complaints against public servants. The circular, while ostensibly aimed at protecting honest officials from harassment, has raised concerns about its potential to shield corrupt practices and further insulate the bureaucracy from public scrutiny.

Under the new guidelines, authorities can pursue prosecution under section 182 of the Indian Penal Code against individuals deemed to have filed false complaints. Additionally, they can initiate prosecution under section 195(1)(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, based on complaints filed with the court by appropriate authorities.

These measures significantly raise the stakes for citizens considering filing complaints against officials, potentially deterring not just false accusations but also legitimate grievances.

Secondly, and perhaps more controversially, the circular recommends punitive actions against media publications. It promises institutional support to officers for conducting inquiries into cases involving publications. If found complicit in spreading false information, the circular suggests taking action against these publications. This could include reporting them to the Press Council of India, cancelling their accreditation, and stopping government advertisements.

These measures pose a significant threat to press freedom in the region where critical voices and journalism, which aim to hold the administration accountable, have already been potentially silenced.

The circular justifies these measures by citing an alleged increase in false, frivolous, anonymous, and pseudonymous complaints against public servants. It claims that such complaints cause unwarranted harassment and mental agony to officials, affecting their decision-making abilities and causing administrative inertia.

However, civil society activists, though anonymously, argue that this move is a thinly veiled attempt to silence dissent and protect an increasingly unaccountable bureaucracy. With the absence of an elected government and the postponement of elections, bureaucrats have assumed unprecedented power in the region’s governance. Critics argue that this circular will further entrench their authority and make it more difficult for citizens to voice legitimate grievances against corrupt or inefficient officials.

The timing of this circular is particularly contentious, given the ongoing political vacuum in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the region has been under direct central administration, with key decisions being made by appointed bureaucrats rather than elected representatives. This has led to growing concerns about the lack of democratic accountability and the erosion of local autonomy.

Activists have expressed alarm at the potential misuse of these new provisions. They argue that the threat of prosecution could deter whistleblowers and conscientious citizens from reporting genuine cases of corruption or misconduct, effectively creating a chilling effect on accountability measures.

“It has turned the basic principle of accountability in a democracy on its head,” stated an activist. “Instead of making the administration responsible to the citizens, it seeks to provide the officers and bureaucracy an impunity. It also threatens the whistleblowers,” he said.

As the administration moves to implement these new guidelines, questions remain about their impact on transparency, good governance, and the already strained relationship between the bureaucracy and the public in Jammu and Kashmir. With elections still on hold and political activities restricted, this latest move is seen by many as another step towards centralising power in the hands of an unelected bureaucratic elite, further alienating the local population from the governance process.

The circular, issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s General Administration Department (Vigilance), provides more extensive details about the handling of complaints against public servants. It acknowledges that despite previously issued instructions aimed at balancing good governance with protection for public servants, cases of undue harassment through false complaints are reportedly on the rise.

The order emphasizes that many complaints, after verification, are without merit. However, the process of investigating these complaints has led to “unwarranted harassment and mental anguish for public servants who are performing their duties in good faith”. This situation, according to the circular, is affecting decision-making processes and causing “administrative inertia”, which in turn impacts the disposal of government business and public service delivery.

The circular explicitly mentions that the procedure for dealing with false, frivolous, anonymous, and pseudonymous complaints needs to be strengthened. It aims to ensure that honest public servants are not unfairly harassed and that government business is not adversely affected.

The circular outlines two primary courses of action against those filing false complaints. These include pursuing prosecution under section 182 of the Indian Penal Code for making a false complaint and initiating prosecution under section 195(1)(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, based on a complaint filed with the court by the appropriate authority.

The circular also advocates considering departmental action against public servants making false complaints, as an alternative to prosecution.

It also recommends institutional support to government servants affected by “false complaints” threw a slew of methods including “assisting the affected employee to approach Crime Branch, J&K, for initiation of criminal proceedings upon receiving a report or request from a public servant, and facilitating public servants, who have suffered harm as a result of false complaints, to file civil lawsuits seeking damages against responsible individuals (including compensation for financial losses, emotional distress, or harm to reputation, with the provision for the public servant to engage a lawyer as per requirement on contingency fee arrangements, subject to available resources, for which each case shall be decided on merits).”

It also recommends “assistance of Law Officers from the Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs for appropriate legal remedies in respect of acts done in official capacity, arranging formal inquiries by the relevant registering authority, where such complaints have been filed by any such registered organizations and issuance of formal press notes regarding complaints and inquiries to promote transparency, preferably every month.”

It also recommends punitive action against publications. It states that institutional support will be provided to officers for “conducting of inquiries in cases involving publications and if found complicit, taking action, including reporting the matter to the Press Council of India (PCI) and other measures like cancellation of accreditation and stoppage of Government advertisements”.

The circular, signed by Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner-Secretary to the government, has been distributed to all Administrative Departments, Heads of Departments, and Cadre Controlling Authorities, with instructions to implement these measures effectively.

While the specific details of these instructions are not fully elaborated in the provided excerpt, it’s clear that the government is taking a more stringent approach to what it perceives as “baseless complaints”.

The order appears to be part of a broader effort to streamline administrative processes and protect public servants from what the government views as unnecessary impediments to their work. However, without a balanced system of checks and balances, particularly in the absence of a democratically elected government, such measures risk being seen as a means to insulate the bureaucracy from legitimate scrutiny and accountability.

The circular’s issuance on June 20, 2024, indicates that this is a recent development in the ongoing evolution of administrative policies in Jammu and Kashmir. It reflects the continuing challenges faced by the region in maintaining a balance between administrative efficiency and public accountability, especially given its unique political circumstances.

https://kashmirtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gag-order-public-servants.pdf

Courtesy: Kashmir Times

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