By day, the Kashmir Valley is in the grip of an uneasy calm. But at night, raids by security forces looking for youths supporting the separatist’s cause are causing widespread fear, reports said.
Even as the valley remains shut for the 86th day, a semblance of normality has returned, barring some parts of south Kashmir, the epicentre of a seemingly unending unrest.
More people and vehicles are seen during the day and no major incident of violence has been reported from south Kashmir for over a week.
The outward calm, however, seems to melt away after sunset.
Residents of Srinagar and in south Kashmir say that night-time raids by security forces have forced scores of youths to go into hiding.
The night raids are being conducted jointly by the police and paramilitary forces, almost daily, in the south, central and north Kashmir areas.
Police have reportedly arrested thousands from different parts of Kashmir, but no official figures were available.
Residents in south Kashmir’s Achabal area said police personnel in civilian dress come to the town at night and enter houses. A resident said they are very rough with anyone who opposes them.
Reports of the night-time raids have also come from Kupwara, Sopore, Budgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Srinagar.
A resident of Kulgam town said that security forces raided his house looking for his son.
“My son was not at home. They roughed me up and tried to arrest me but the strong resistance put up by neighbours forced the police to retreat. I received four stitches on my foot,” he said, asking not to be named.
The fear of arrest has forced many youths of the town to spend nights away from their homes.
Another resident said when security forces come for raids announcements are made over loudspeakers asking people to defend themselves. (Agencies)