Srinagar: A significant escalation in the ongoing security operations in Srinagar and its surrounding areas has been reported, with the scope of the crackdown being extended. In the latest development, the residence of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, the brother of martyred Kashmiri separatist leader Maqbool Bhat, was raided by the authorities. Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, who has been imprisoned for several years, was once again targeted in this recent security operation.
The raid, which was carried out by the authorities, involved the searching of multiple homes in Srinagar, including those of prominent individuals linked to political activism. Among those whose homes were raided are:
-
Noor Muhammad Sheikh, son of the late Ghulam Muhammad, resident of Khan Mazar
-
Wasim Tariq Muttah, son of Tariq Ahmad, resident of Rampora Klyama
-
Mohammad Owais Hamid, daughter Anjum Younis
-
Bilal Ahmad Lone, son of Abdul Rahman Lone, resident of Saidpora Eidgah
-
Faizab Shaukat Dewani, son of Shaukat Ahmad, resident of Pathar Masjid
-
Bilal Lone, also known as Chounin, son of Abdul Rahman Lone, resident of Saidpora Eidgah
-
Manzoor Tolla, son of Asadullah Tolla, Khanqah Soukhta
-
Mohammad Ayoub Dar, son of Ghulam Mohammad Dar, resident of Rie Tang Khanyar
-
Mushtaq Ahmad Bichon, son of Mohiuddin Bichon, resident of Kathi Darwaza Rinewari
-
Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Qadir Bhat, resident of Terhigam, Kupwara, currently residing in Devi Angan
-
Firdous Ahmad Dar, son of Mohammad Dar, resident of Ibrahim Colony
These operations have drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and human rights organizations, with growing concerns about the heavy-handed approach adopted by authorities. Amnesty International and other human rights defenders have been urged to take immediate note of the situation and intervene.
The intensification of raids on activists, political figures, and residents continues to fuel tensions in Kashmir. These actions reflect ongoing political repression, with critics accusing the authorities of suppressing dissenting voices in the region. The crackdown has raised questions about the broader human rights situation in Kashmir and the stifling of political and civil freedoms.
Read Also: Protests Erupt in Srinagar Over JKBOSE Result Discrepancies
As this situation continues to unfold, there is an increasing demand for international attention and intervention to address the growing concerns over civil liberties and human rights in Kashmir. The international community, including organizations like Amnesty International, is being urged to take a more active role in defending the rights of those targeted in such raids.
This crackdown further exemplifies the delicate political situation in the region, with the crackdown intensifying fears of continued oppression and control by the authorities. The coming days will reveal the true impact of these operations on the political landscape in Srinagar and Kashmir at large.
