Kupwara residents stage protest against Army
Protests erupted in Lolab area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Friday morning after the security forces allegedly arrested two youths from a nearby forest in Dewar.
According to the reports, the Army thrashed a youth after arresting him along with his friend, who according to the protesters is still missing.
Residents of Kakar Diver in Lolab area staged a protest demanding to know the whereabouts of Manzoor Ahmad Khan who, along with Nasrullah Khan, was allegedly taken into custody by troops of 27 Rashtriya Rifles last night, a police official said.
He said the protesters alleged that while Nasrullah was released by the Army this morning, there was no word on the whereabouts of Manzoor.
Manzoor Ahmad had severe torture marks all over his body, alleged the protestors.
“He is being treated in a local health centre of the area,” an official said.
Meanwhile, police has launched a manhunt for the missing youth in the forest area of Dewar. However, he could not be found till last reports came in.
“We can’t say anything if he is in Army custody or missing in the forest area. We are trying to locate him in and around the forest area,” a police official of the district said on the condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, police has registered a case under FIR No. 62/2017 in police station Lalpora. Police said that Manzoor told them that he was severally beaten and tortured by the army before being set free.
Meanwhile, the army has denied any involvement in the arrests of the youth.
An army official, wishing not to be named said that army has no role in the arrest or alleged torture of the youth.
KV Correspondent
