SRINAGAR: In an intense oppressive campaign in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Indian forces have arrested at least 1,500 Kashmiris, including women and doctors in what local media have described as one of the largest crackdowns in recent years.
According to reports, Indian Army, paramilitary troops, police personnel, and other security agencies launched widespread raids and search operations across the valley over the past three days. Those detained have been accused under false and baseless charges, with authorities claiming the arrests were made for “interrogation purposes.”
The Kashmir Media Service reported that India is using such repressive measures to weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people and suppress dissent through draconian laws and excessive use of force. Media sources further stated that these operations specifically target Kashmiri youth and the families of pro-freedom leaders residing in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, and abroad.
According to media, a senior police officer confirmed that over 1,500 Kashmiris had been detained for questioning, adding that simultaneous operations were carried out across the Kashmir Valley, focusing on pro-freedom activists, their supporters, and individuals charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) who are currently out on bail.
During house raids, authorities reportedly seized property and bank documents, digital devices, books, and other materials. In Baramulla, searches were conducted at the homes of 16 pro-freedom activists, resulting in 10 arrests under the draconian laws.
Additionally, 32 search operations were carried out in different parts of the district. In South Kashmir’s Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam districts, forces launched extensive search operations at the homes of recently martyred youth and their associates.
In Budgam district, police intensified crackdowns on pro-freedom supporters, while in Ganderbal, 39 Kashmiris were arrested during raids and transferred to Dignibal Jail.
In Kulgam, Indian troops detained eight members of pro-freedom families during house raids and shifted them to Islamabad Central Jail. Similar search and detention operations were also conducted in Srinagar, Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam districts, where eight more individuals were taken into custody.
