Forces thrash locals, damage property in Kulgam village

Srinagar, Aug 18: Late Friday evening, Government forces went berserk in Bhan area of Kulgam district with locals alleging they damaged property worth millions and beat dozens of locals.

Reports said that the Army personnel from nearby Khudwani and Devsar camps raided the village between 7:30 pm and 11:30 pm

Quoting locals, reports said that the army personnel led by one commanding officer started making announcements on mosque loudspeakers asking people to handover some youth.

Soon after the announcement, the government forces, reports said, started thrashing people and damaging the property.

Reports said dozens of houses, vehicles, and shops were vandalized and at least, three youth were arrested.

The locals said that even shops were looted and household items like refrigerators were stolen.

Reports said the vandalizing and thrashing was triggered by a minor stone pelting incident.

A woman suffered injuries due to torture by the soldiers when she tried to resist the arrest of her son.

A senior police officer from the area said that they had received the complaint about the incident and were investigating it.

Spokesman of Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat forum in a statement in Srinagar denounced troops’ action of thrashing people and vandalising property in the area.

Army spokesman, as per media reports, refuted all such claims of locals.