HATTIAN BALA: (Azadi Times) A series of brazen thefts has left the Chinari community in shock and despair. Just a few yards from the Chinari police station, a group of unknown thieves carried out a significant heist, breaking into multiple shops and stealing a motorcycle, resulting in losses worth lakhs of rupees.

The incident began with the theft of a motorcycle belonging to Abdul Ghafoor, son of Ghulam Rabbani, a resident of Jaskol. The motorcycle was stolen from a bridge near the Chinari police station. Taking advantage of the darkness and severe cold on the night between Monday and Tuesday, the thieves proceeded to break into five shops in the Chinari main market.

The victims included:
– Sadiq Akbar, son of Muhammad Akbar, resident of Sadak Karina
– Muhammad Maruf, son of Muzaffar Khan, resident of Amra Sawan
– Mahmood Ahmed, son of Muhammad Ishaq, resident of Banyan
– Muhammad Afzal, son of Shoaib, resident of Gujar Bandi
– Shakil, son of Ghulam Khan, resident of Gujar Bandi

The thieves stole millions of rupees in cash and valuable goods, leaving the poor shopkeepers devastated. This incident is part of a troubling trend of increasing thefts in the Jhelum Valley district as the new year begins.

In response, IG Azad Kashmir has taken notice of the escalating incidents, particularly in Chinari and its surrounding areas. He has called for the police to intensify their efforts and ensure round-the-clock patrolling throughout the Jhelum Valley. The community is urging the police to take immediate action to arrest the thieves and recover the stolen property.

There is growing frustration among residents, who have threatened to protest if their demands for safety and justice are not met. The recurring thefts have highlighted the need for improved vigilance and law enforcement to protect the lives and properties of the people in the region.