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‘Masked men terrorize’ Chenab Valley residents

KN DESK; 03, Aug 2013: Masked men have let loose a reign of terror in Muslim populated areas of the Chenab Valley, locals alleged on Saturday.

People alleged that unknown masked men along with weapons knock at the doors during pre-dawn meals (Sehri) and night prayers.

“Masked men appear in Kishtwar, Badharwah and Doda districts as well. Muslim populated areas are being terrorized by these suspicious masked men,” one of the residents of Thatri Thesil said.

He claimed from the last one week these unknown masked men are continuously appearing in scores of hamlets of Chenab Valley including Zanri, Jangalwar, Faksu, Khanpora, Trinkli, Kahra, Kencha, Bhatyas, Bonjah, Saroor and Drabshalla.


Reports said that these unknown masked men knock at the doors and create fearful sounds. “Few masked men some days back entered into a house when people were busy offering night prayers and they tried to kidnap a child from the house, however, the cry raised by the women forced these men to retreat from the village,” one of the residents said.


“Their motive is to terrorize the people. We are surprised why these masked men appear in Muslim areas only. May be they don’t enter Hindu hamlet because of the presence of VDC’s there. There are no VDC’s in Muslim hamlets and even the officials don’t allow Muslims to make use of licensed guns,” Mohammad Talib, a local, said.


People in Chenab Valley believe that it is an attempt to divert the attention of the people from the case of fake encounter specialist Shiv Kumar. “He is involved in so many innocent killings and we firmly believe that an atmosphere is being created to make police believe that militants are still present in Muslim areas so that Shiv kumar could be assigned the job to face them,” Irshad Ahmed, another local, said. He added that police is not taking any action against these masked men.


People said that despite repeated pleas police did not make any effort to nab these masked men who often resort to aerial firing when chased by the people.


Superintendent of Police, Doda, Arief Reshu however, rubbishes the claims as rumors. “It has not been verified on ground. I appeal people not to pay attention towards rumours. We have already talked to heads of villages in this regard and till date the presence of these masked men have proved to be a hoax,” he said.

About the Author

Ayaan Maqsood - Correspondent Kashmir Informer.

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