In a massive crackdown after the recent militant attack in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained more than 500 people. The overnight raids took place across the Kashmir Valley.
The action comes after Monday’s attack in Behibagh, Kulgam, where militants fired at three civilians, critically injuring them. Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a former Territorial Army soldier, succumbed to his injuries. His wife, Aaina Akhtar, 32, and her 13-year-old niece, Sania Hameed, were injured and are currently stable.
“We are conducting a large-scale operation to find those involved in militant activities. Over 500 suspects have been detained for questioning. Our goal is to bring justice to the victims and prevent such attacks in the future,” a senior police officer told Kashmir Dot Com.
According to officials, security forces have detained a large number of people who are relatives of militants based in Pakistan and Pakistan Administrated Kashmir (PaK).
“This is the biggest crackdown of its kind in recent years. The detentions send a strong message to militants across the border that such attacks will not be tolerated,” a senior officer told The Indian Express.
Another police official from South Kashmir said that those found innocent would be released after questioning. “We are carefully verifying their involvement. Those not connected to militancy will be freed after counseling,” he said.
On Monday, unknown gunmen shot Wagay, his wife, and her niece in Behibagh. “They have crossed a red line this time by attacking the family of a soldier,” a police officer said.
