Crackdown on Jama’at-e-Islami in Kashmir

KASHMIR: More than 150 freedom fighter have been detained by Indian Police and Troops in a massive crackdown on Jama’at-e-Islami in Kashmir.

Among arrested are also KLF Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, and the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami of the territory, Dr Abdul Hameed Fayaz.

The massive arrest drive took place in the intervening nights of February 22 and 23.

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Those arrested as confirmed by the Jama’at include

• Ameer Jama’at Dr Abdul Hamid Fayaz,
• Advocate Zahid Ali (Spokesperson),
• Ghulam Qadir Lone (Former Secretary General),
• Abdur Rouf (Ameer Zila Islamabad),
• Mudasir Ahmad (Ameer Tehsil Pahalgam),
• Abdul Salam (Dialgam),
• Bakhtawar Ahmad (Dialgam),
• Mohammad Amin Wani (Tral),
• Bilal Ahmad (Chadoora),
• Ghulam Mohammad Dar (Chak Sangran)

Dozens more have been arrested.

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The crackdown in Kashmir is launched ahead of a hearing on Article 35A in the Supreme Court. Article 35A, which provides special rights and privileges to natives of Jammu and Kashmir, is likely to take place in the apex court on Monday.

Condemning the arrests the spokesperson said

“Well designed ploy and that there was something fishy when the state’s special position is listed in Supreme Court.”

“Article 35(A) which grants special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is being heard within days and the way forces personnel unleashed the spree of mass arrest and detained dozens of Jama’at members prior to the hearing seems something is hatching behind the curtains,”

“Any attempt of eroding or tempering Article 35(A) is unacceptable for people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Jammat members arrested from North Kashmir’s Baramulla District include

• Dr Wasil,
• Nazir Ahmad khan,
• Adv Qazi Syed Irfan,
• Abdul Majid Dar,
• Khazir Mohd Khuroo

Those detained from central Kashmir district include, the district chief of Jama’at-e-Islami Ganderbal Ghulam Mohammed War and several other executive members.

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10,000 Troops Deployed

In the meanwhile the ministry of home affairs (MHA) has ordered the additional deployment 100 companies. This means nearly 10,000 troops of paramilitary forces. This include

• 45 companies of CRPF,
• 35 from BSF
• 10 from SSB
• 10 from ITBP.

Ex Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the move as unlawful.

The actual reason of such crackdown and arrest is not known. The police has termed it as routine. They have also said that they have picked the leaders and potential stone pelters in the past.

Visible Heightened Tension

• People were seen in groups on the streets.
• Long queues were formed outside petrol stations.
• People swarmed the provision shops to buy essential supplies.
• Government Medical College in Srinagar has cancelled winter vacation of its faculty
• The Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, has directed its staff members in south Srinagar to ensure completing sale of food grains in their respective areas by Saturday evening. They were also directed to keep the ration depots and sale outlets open on Sunday as well.

Former chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has tweeted

“People in the valley, especially the cities & towns, are taking everything said or done as a sign that some big trouble is just around the corner. People are hoarding food & fuel. Some government orders are adding to the sense of panic.”

“The administration needs to take steps to reduce this sense of panic. People are wound tight with worry & the speculation on some TV news channels is contributing to this as well. Let’s hope someone in the government is listening.”

Following the mass arrest a complete shutdown is being observed in Kashmir on Sunday