Government forces today arrested six persons during a cordon and search operation (CASO) at Kareemabad hamlet of Pulwama district.
Forces personnel comprising Jammu & Kashmir police, army’s Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) cordoned off the village.
Witnesses said forces launched search-operation in Kareemabad village during wee hours on Saturday.
“During the operation, forces vandalized the properties of locals besides arresting six youth,” the locals alleged.
They were identified as Zubair Ahmad Pandith, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Babar Ahmad Pandith, Mehraj ud din, Urfi and Saddam.
Locals also alleged that the forces thrashed locals, including the family members of slain Hizbul Mujahideen militant Naseer Pandit.
“During four-hour-long operation, they (forces) beat up innocent people and damaged their property,” said a witness.
Superintendent of police Pulwama Muhammad Aslam said that “some stone throwers were arrested from the area during the operation.” “Search operation was conducted to nab stone throwers and militants,” he added. On the allegations of excesses on people during searches, the SP said he will check the matter.