SRINAGAR: Life remains disrupted in downtown Srinagar, Kashmir main city, due to a strike in protest against alleged excesses by the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force.
Shops are closed in Bohri Kadal, Saraf Kadal, Rajouri Kadal and Nowhatta localities, witnesses say.
Residents of Saraf Kadal area told freepresskashmir that soldiers of the CRPF on Friday barged into homes, damaged property and beat up inmates.
They said the CRPF were angry after youth pelted them with stones after Friday prayers in the area.
“They were chasing some youth and in the course entered into my home and damaged everything,” a resident said over phone.
As he spoke, women wailing loudly could be heard.
Residents of Nowhatta locality also say the police raided a tuition centre this morning and arrested a youth allegedly for organising protests.
The police officer of the area could not be reached for comment.
However the district head, Farooq Ahmed Shah said he will be visiting the areas to take stock of the situation.
The alleged ransacking comes despite repeated assurances by the government and CRPF officials that they follow proper SOP or Standard Operating Procedure while dealing with protests.
Last week, an amateur video showed berserk CRPF personnel armed with guns and batons throwing rocks at residential houses, kicking open doors and tearing tarpaulins of shops.
Earlier, the divisional commissioner of Kashmir range had announced a helpline of sorts after a series of such complaints from residents across the valley.
Also Read: Who Said CRPF Follows SOP in Kashmir
