Naseer Pandith’s brother among five arrested in Pulwama
Pulwama: At least five persons including the elder brother of slain Hizb commander Naseer Pandith, were arrested and several others beaten by government forces during a cordon and search operation in Karimabad village of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
As per locals cordon-and-search-operation was launched in Kareemabad village during wee hours today and the forces barged into houses thrashing people mainly youth.
“During the 4-hour long cordon and search operation from 3 am to 7 am, people were treated like ‘cattle’. They were beaten up and even some youths were kept in cold water for hours” eye-witnesses said.
They said that at least five youths were arrested including elder brother of slain Hizb commander Naseer Pandit.
As per sources the persons who were arrested include elder brother of Naseer Pandit namely Babar Ahmad Pandit, Zubair Ahmad Pandit, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Rafi Obdullah Pandit and Mehrajudin Sheikh
They said people were targeted in response to the previous incident when youth confronted army Patrolling Party and attacked it when they tried to enter the village.
On contacting senior superintendent of Police district Pulwama Aslam Choudary he confirmed that 5 persons have been arrested in Karimabad village during search operation as arrested persons are ‘habitual’ of stone pelting.
When asked about thrashing, he said yes there are such reports however as per my information these allegations are wrong.
I am sending a senior police officer to the spot to check to what extent these allegations are correct, he added.
KV Correspondent
