Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 13: South Kashmir’s Pulwama township observed strike today against the arrest of youth in the district over the years.
Shops, business establishments were closed down and public transport was off the roads.
Stray incidents of stone pelting took place early morning. Police and paramilitary forces deployed in strength prevented the stone pelting incidents to intensify.
The shut down was observed against the arrest of over 13 youth who were accused by police to be involved in stone pelting following Kishtwar communal violence.
People alleged that police randomly raided the houses during the dead of night and arrested various youth.
A police official said that the arrested youth were involved in stone-pelting.
The official said those who were arrested have been identified as Amir Hassan Ganaie, Amir Bashir of Muran, Pulwama, Feroz Ahmed Kumar, Mudasir Ahmad Najar of Bonroo, Abid Bashir Sofi of Barapora, Rayees Ahmad Mir of Dalipora, Shabir Ahmad Wani of Damhal Hanjipora, Kulgam, Irshad Ahmad Wani, Adil Bashir Shiekh of Wanpora , Bilal Ahmad Wani of Chatapora, Gowher Ahmad Nengroo of Prichoo, Umar Bahsir of Dalipora and Mushtaq Ahmad Dar of Malikpora.
He said that FIRs number 227/ 2013 dated 12/08/2013 under Sections 307, 148, 501, 149, 332, 427, 336 RPC were lodged against them in the police station.
However, Station House Officer, Pulwama, Sabzar Ahmad said that they arrested four men on charges of stone pelting. “They were released today,” the SHO said.
The district has been observing shutdown for consecutive two days against communal violence in Jammu region.
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