Cement Transport Dispute: Khrew Locals Allege Police Excess

Pulwama, April 2, KNT: Tension prevailed in the Khrew area of Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday after locals accused police of using excessive force against what they described as peaceful protesters during a dispute over cement transportation.

Residents alleged that police personnel entered residential areas, ransacked houses and used batons against demonstrators, resulting in injuries to several persons. They claimed that multiple individuals sustained injuries during the alleged action, with some requiring advanced medical care.

According to locals, Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh and Gowhar Ali Sheikh were shifted to a hospital in New Delhi for specialized treatment, with one of them reportedly suffering a serious eye injury. Another youth, Fayaz Ahmed Sheikh, was admitted to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital for treatment.

Locals stated that they had been protesting for over a month over issues related to cement transportation from nearby factories. They claimed that several locals had purchased trucks on finance to earn a livelihood through transportation work, but alleged that factory management, in coordination with another transport union, was seeking to engage state-run carriers instead.

The protesters maintained that their agitation had been peaceful and accused police of damaging vehicles and property during the alleged crackdown. They further claimed that movement in parts of the area remained restricted on Saturday.

Refuting the allegations, a police official termed the claims baseless and asserted that certain anti-peace elements were attempting to obstruct the smooth transportation of cement from factories. [KNT]