Woman arrested under UAPA by police
Srinagar, June 28: A middle aged woman whose son was an active militant and was killed during an encounter in 2018 has been booked under stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The police are also looking for her daughter who has also been named in an FIR.
A police statement said that the woman, Naseema Banoo, was booked “in a serious criminal case.” The police cited an old photograph of Banoo with her slain son, where she is brandishing a rifle, as one of the reasons for her arrest.
The police alleged that Banoo, a resident of Rampora Qaimoh in south Kashmir, has recruited at least two youth into militant ranks, “arranging arms ammunition, communication and logistics for militants.”
“Just because she happens to be a woman or the mother of a slain militant does not make her immune to arrest. It is the prime duty of the police to arrest criminals to safeguard the people it serves and that is what it has done. Anyone who wishes to challenge the decision is free to approach the court of law for redressal,” the police said.
The incident, however, has evoked outrage in Kashmir and people have taken to social media to express their anger.
Responding to social media outrage, the police statement said, “Many social media posts have been generated and shared which have twisted the facts of the matter in order to cause disturbance of peace and tranquility. Police have taken cognizance of the matter and anyone trying to instigate others through whatsoever means will be prosecuted against.”
Tauseef, the arrested woman’s son was killed along with Hizb Commander Sadam Paddar and Kashmir University Professor Muhammad Rafi in Badigam Zainpora area of Shopian in May 2018. Five militants were killed in that encounter.
Police said that the mother of slain militant Naseema Banoo of Rampora Qaimoh was arrested on 20 June in a criminal case.
“An FIR vide number 30 of 2018 under sections 13B, 17, 18, 18B, 19, 39 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act stands registered in this regard.
KV Network
