Ruhullah Mehdi, Mirwaiz Condemn Alleged Detentions of Hundreds in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The detentions carried out by security forces in Kashmir following the killing of a retired serviceman have drawn sharp criticism from political and religious leaders. Reports suggest that over 500 individuals have been rounded up in sweeping nocturnal raids across the Valley, a move described as “collective retribution” and “harassment” by prominent voices.
Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi denounced the detentions, stating that such actions do not constitute security but “punishment by exile.” In a post on X, he said, “I fail to imagine the terror of a family whose loved ones now lie in the abyss of an opaque security system. This is not security; this is punishment.” He also criticised the use of terms like “OGWs” and “Hybrid Militants” to justify large-scale detentions, warning that ruling through fear erodes legitimacy.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condemned the detentions. In a tweet,he called the arrests “unprecedented” and urged authorities to release the detainees immediately. “Every such killing and causing injury to innocents is condemnable, but to target and detain in hundreds family members and relatives of those associated with militancy, because of their relationship, is harassment. It vitiates the atmosphere and furthers hostility,” he wrote on X.
The crackdown follows Monday’s attack in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, where militants opened fire on retired Territorial Army soldier Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, his wife, and their daughter. According to a senior police officer, Wagay sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and remains in critical condition, while his wife and daughter suffered injuries to their legs.
Authorities have not officially commented on the exact number of detentions or the legal basis for the arrests.
