Jammu: Indian forces have arrested dozens of people during a series of sweeping cordon and search operations across multiple districts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operations, conducted by a combination of military and police units, have resulted in the detention of numerous individuals and the seizure of electronic devices.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the operations in Kathua district involved personnel from the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force, the Special Operations Group, and the Village Defense Guards. In this district alone, at least 10 youths were arrested in various areas, including Malhar and Bani. Additional operations were carried out in Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, and Reasi districts, targeting both rural and urban zones. Over 20 youths have been taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing, as stated by a senior official from the Zonal Police Headquarters in Jammu.

The intensified operations have been justified by occupation forces who claim that the arrested individuals are over-ground workers. In a separate incident, Indian police arrested Bupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, prominent leaders representing laborers and shopkeepers, in the Katra area of Reasi district. Their arrest is linked to protests against a proposed ropeway project along the Hindu pilgrimage trek route to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Furthermore, under the Public Safety Act, Indian police have arrested Rocky Sehgal and Murad Ali in Udhampur and Samba districts, respectively.