6 structures and many paddy heaps were set on fire in Kaimoh, Khudwani area of Kulgam district during nocturnal raids by the government forces after locals resisted their raids and arresting of youth. Locals said that forces also smashed dozens of parked vehicles in the area triggering to clashes early Sunday leading to the imposition of curfew in four south Kashmir villages.
reportedly army, police, SOG and CRPF personnel raided Khudwani, Kaimoh, Hawoora and Mishpora villages late last night to arrest some youth. On seeing heavy number of personnel cordoning the area and raiding different houses, locals came on streets and held protests.“Forces suddenly went berserk and set six structures, mostly cowsheds and paddy storeson fire. They also set ablaze many paddy heaps, broke dozens of parked vehicles, ransacked houses and beat whosever came on their way,” locals alleged.
“Such was the shelling of tear smoke canisters that we thought encounter was going on nearby,” a resident of nearby Kujar said.Forces only left after they arrested eight youth of the area, locals said. Early, today locals again came on roads and started protesting against what they called government highhandedness however, they were tear gassed and lathicharged. Soon after clashes erupted a truck was seen burning in the area. Locals said that authorities immediately imposed curfew in Kaimoh, Khudwani, Hawoora and Mishpora areas.