Panic has gripped Kulgam and Anantnag districts of south Kashmir as mysterious braid-cutting incidents continued unabated, sparking protests at many places.
The J&K Police have constituted Special Investigation Teams (SITs) in every district of the Valley to investigate the cases and also announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh for credible information leading to nabbing of the culprits.
At least two persons, one of them a non-local labourer, were thrashed by local residents in the twin districts on Thursday evening after being suspected to be braid-cutters. However, they turned out to be innocent and were later released.
Protests were reported from the Wanpoh and Nai Basti areas of Anantnag district today after fresh incidents.
Earlier this week protests erupted in two villages of Kulgam district as people alleged that the Army was helping suspects escape. The Army strongly refuted the allegations.
“The charges are baseless. The Army has nothing to do with all this,” Srinagar-based spokesperson of the Army Rajesh Kalia said.
A senior police official from Kulgam district acknowledged that the police were groping in the dark. “We have no inputs and the victims or their families have been of no help so far. We are trying to convince some of the victims to aid the investigation,” the official said.
Taking cognisance of the incidents, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Muneer Khan, announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh for credible information relating to the incidents.
“SITs have also been set up to investigate the cases. Besides, helplines have been established in case of emergency,” a police statement read.
Protests rock south Kashmir over braid-cutting incidents, Police announce Rs 3 lakh reward for information on culprits
