SRINAGAR (Kashmir English): Authorities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have invoked the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) to arrest at least 75 Kashmiris in the aftermath of the Pahalgam false flag operation on April 22.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian forces personnel have so far arrested more than 2,500 people and demolished nearly three dozen homes during relentless cordon and search operations and raids across the occupied territory since the Pahalgam incident.
Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone), VK Birdi, confirmed that out of those arrested, 75 have been slapped with PSA, a law widely condemned by international rights groups for enabling arbitrary detentions without trial.
During these sweeping crackdowns, Indian troops have not only carried out mass arrests but are also involved in looting valuables and subjecting residents to intense interrogations and harassment.
These operations are continuing in Bandipora, Kupwara, Shopian, Kulgam, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Budgam, Islamabad, Pulwama, Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, and Poonch districts.
Occupied Kashmir most dangerous place for journalists
Meanwhile, a report has declared Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as one of the most dangerous places for journalists worldwide.
It said in the highly militarized zone of the world where people associated with the press and media are performing their professional duties in the most difficult circumstances.
According to a report compiled by Kashmir Media Service on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, 20 journalists have been confirmed killed while performing their duties during the Kashmiris’ ongoing liberation struggle since 1989.
They include Shabbir Ahmed Dar, Mushtaq Ali, Muhammad Shaban Wakeel, a woman scribe Aasiya Jeelani, Ghulam Muhammad Lone, Ghulam Rasool Azad, Pervez Muhammad Sultan, Shujaat Bukhari, Ali Muhammad Mahajan, Syed Ghulam Nabi, Altaf Ahmed Fakhtoo, Saidan Shafi, Tariq Ahmed, Abdul Majid Butt, Javed Ahmed Mir, PN Handoo, Muhammad Shafi, Pradeeep Bhatia, Ashok Sodhi and Rayees Ahmad Butt.
