Srinagar: In a continued crackdown in the region, Indian forces have arrested six more youths, including a minor, in the disputed area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The arrests took place during a coordinated search operation conducted by military and police units in the Kulgam district.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the operation involved personnel from the Indian army’s Rashtriya Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force. The youths were apprehended in the Qazigund area of Kulgam district and are now facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a law often criticized for its stringent provisions and potential for abuse. Among those detained is Mohid Ali Butt, a minor, highlighting ongoing concerns about the treatment of young people in conflict zones.
The arrested individuals have been transferred to an interrogation center for further questioning. This recent incident follows a pattern of arrests across various districts, including Islamabad, Kathua, and Udhampur, where at least seven youths were detained under similar circumstances earlier this week.
The use of the UAPA and the frequent detentions have raised significant human rights concerns internationally, with activists and organizations calling for more transparent and lawful handling of security operations in the region.