Residents of Habba Kadal and its adjacent areas of Srinagar city Thursday staged massive protest against the alleged use of force by paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and demanded immediate removal of the bunker.The areas observed complete shutdown. Inhabitants of Habba Kadal alleged that troopers of paramilitary CRPF posted in the locality went “berserk” on Wednesday evening.“CRPF troopers without any provocation thrashed several people and ransacked some shops and damaged several vehicles,” the locals alleged.The local assembled at main Chowk on Thursday morning and raised anti-CRPF slogans.The CRPF personnel have also allegedly beaten up the locals while some of them were shifted to hospital for treatment.
“We are peace loving people. However, the CRPF is hell bent to vitiate the peace. They are provoking youth to take stones and forcing locals to stage protests,” locals said.“Around ten private vehicles including auto rickshaw, cars and a mini bus are severely damaged. Two local shops and the products inside them have also been damaged,” CNS reporter informed after visiting the area.“This is what the CRPF personal are doing here and that is what they are getting paid for,” said the angry locals while pointing towards damaged properties.
The locals demanded removal of CRPF bunker from the area and unconditional written apology from CRPF higher ups. “We also demand registration of FIR against the guilty CRPF personal and stern action under law against them,” they said.
Sources said that police have registered a case action CRPF. “Yes, we have registered a case (against CRPF),” said a police officer, wished not to be named. He however added that they have also lodged an FIR against stone-pelters after CRPF registered a complaint in police station Kral Khud.He added that the meeting took place also between CRPF commandant and SP East. “The Commandant assured that no such incident would be repeated in future. Regarding shifting of CRPF camp, it is only Divisional Commissioner Kashmir who can take call on it,” he added while replying to a query.PRO CRPF, Ashish Kumar Jha told CNS that they are ascertaining the facts. “Anyone found guilty of any indiscipline would be dealt strictly under law,” he said. (CNS)