Srinagar, March 23, KNT: Several areas of Downtown Srinagar observed a shutdown on Saturday as residents protested against alleged excesses by police and paramilitary personnel.
Reports said shops, business establishments and schools remained closed while traffic movement was largely absent in many parts of the old city.
Large groups of residents gathered in areas including Saraf Kadal, Nowhatta, Kadi Kadal, Bohri Kadal and Maharaj Gunj, where they raised slogans against the police and paramilitary forces.
Residents alleged that security personnel frequently targeted locals after incidents of stone pelting.
“After stone pelting incidents, police and CRPF personnel target us without any reason and beat inmates inside houses,” Haji Abdul Gani, a local resident, said.
Some locals also alleged that security forces conducted night-time raids in residential areas.
“After every Friday and Sunday, police and CRPF personnel enter our houses late at night and beat people,” Mohammad Yaqoob, a resident of Saraf Kadal, said.
Poeple further demanded the removal of a CRPF bunker at Saraf Kadal, claiming that it had become a flashpoint for clashes between youth and security forces.
“There are bunkers in Kawdara and Saraf Kadal. Whenever youth attack these bunkers, security personnel enter nearby houses during operations,” Mohammad Ayub, a shopkeeper, alleged.
Meanwhile, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar visited several parts of the old city and interacted with residents. Officials said he assured locals that complaints regarding alleged excesses would be examined and action taken if required.
However, a senior police official, requesting anonymity, rejected the allegations of excesses.
The official said that during stone pelting incidents many youths often take refuge inside houses, making it necessary for police to conduct searches.
“To flush out miscreants, sometimes police have to enter houses. It is incorrect to say that we use pepper gas in the area as pepper guns have already been deposited in the police lines,” the official said.
Authorities maintained that police operations were conducted only to control law and order and identify those involved in stone pelting incidents. [KNT]
