Srinagar, Aug 18: Police have detained a Bihari labourer from Srinagar for his alleged involvement in stone pelting in the past two months of unrest against continued civilian killings in Kashmir.
Sources in the Home department said Muhammad Zulfi son of Noor Muhammad Zulfi of Bihar was picked up by Budgam police from Rangreth on the city outskirts where he was putting up with some other non-local laborers.
 Police said Zulfi was “actively involved” in stone pelting and would participate in roadside protests whenever they erupted in the area.
 The locals, however, deny the police charges saying that Zulfi by being present during protests would express his support for Kashmiris.
 “There have been many incidents in our area and adjoining Humhama when Bihari laborers participated in peaceful protests and shouted pro-freedom slogans,” said the locals adding similar participation was seen during the 2008 Amarnath land row.
 “When that time no Bihari was arrested, why this time?” they asked.
 The accused was detained by Police Station Budgam a few days back because the Rangreth area, as per a new government circular, falls in the jurisdiction of the district unlike the past when it was with Srinagar.
 Senior Superintendent of Police, Budgam, Aftab Ahmed Kakroo confirmed the arrest.
 Budgam police recently arrested three kids for alleged stone pelting. They were however later handed over to their guardians.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST