Srinagar, The Indian police have recently begun a new round of profiling activities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a move seen as an effort to exert control over the local population amidst the ongoing freedom movement in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the police have started distributing forms to households across the Kashmir Valley. These forms require residents to provide extensive personal information, including names, ages, professions, family details, vehicle registration numbers, Aadhaar numbers, and details of family members residing abroad. Additionally, the form asks for information about any “terror links,” encounters with law enforcement, foreign travel, and even whether CCTV cameras are installed at the residence. Photographs of each family member and the house are also requested.
This exercise, colloquially known as the “police census,” is not new to the region and has been conducted on several occasions in the past. However, the comprehensive nature of the information being sought in this latest round has caused uncertainty and concern among residents. Many are unclear about the purpose and implications of providing such detailed information.
In Sopore, a town in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, residents have already started receiving these forms. One local described how officials visited their home earlier in the week, instructing them to fill out the form with all requested details.
The profiling exercise is part of a broader strategy by Indian forces to increase surveillance in occupied Kashmir. This includes heightened scrutiny of government employees, who are required to obtain clearances from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and vigilance authorities for foreign travel, including religious pilgrimages like Hajj. Obtaining such clearances can be a lengthy and cumbersome process.
Observers of the situation in IIOJK interpret these measures as an attempt by the Indian government to isolate Kashmiris from the external world under various pretexts, effectively turning them into hostages under the current administration.
Karachi, The Supreme Court of Pakistan has made notable progress in case management by disposing of 204 cases in the span of a week. This development is a significant step towards reducing the backlog of cases pending in the country’s highest judicial body.
According to Supreme Court of Pakistan, the cases were resolved between January 22 and January 26, 2024. During the same period, 295 new cases were filed, demonstrating the continuous influx of legal matters the court handles.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan, along with other Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court, have been actively committed to accelerating the disposal of cases. This initiative is part of their broader effort to minimize the backlog and provide timely justice to litigants. The dedication of the judges to hear cases efficiently is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the growing number of legal disputes and ensuring the swift administration of justice.
The Supreme Court’s effort to expediently handle cases reflects its resolve to enhance the judicial process and uphold the rule of law in Pakistan.