The families of two militants in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Thursday alleged that the government forces set their houses ablaze last night.
The family members of a militant Shahjahan alleged that the forces raided their house in Amshipora village of the district. “We were asked to come out of the house. Later, they sprinkled some powder on the house and set it ablaze,” said a family member.
The family members of another militant Syed Naveed also alleged that the forces set their house on fire in Nazneenpora village of the district.
However, the fire was put out immediately, they said. Despite repeated attempts, army couldn’t be reached for a comment.
Meanwhile, Families of several militants have accused government forces of ransacking their homes and beating members up during nocturnal raids in recent days.
On Monday night armed government forces broke into the family home of Showkat Ahmad, a militant affiliated with the Islamic State Jammu Kashmir (ISJK) in Qaimoh area of Kulgam and vandalised the house.
“The forces ransacked the house and broke the window panes and other household goods,” a family member of Ahmad told Kashmir Post, as other members echoed the same.
During the same night, the soldiers similarly barged into the house of Hizbul Mujahideen militant, Burhan Ahmad, at SK Colony of Anantnag town and vandalised the property, the rebel’s family said.
Earlier, on Sunday night forces broke into the house of Lashkar-e-Toiba militant, Waris Malik of Momal-Arwani village in Bibehara, also ransacking the family home.
“The forces broke all the household goods including refrigerator, washing machine and other valuables,” said Bashir Malik, father of the LeT militant.
He said the soldiers also beat up the family members. Last Saturday, government forces barged into house of the district commander of LeT for Anantnag, Azad Malik alias Dada, in Arwani village and beat up his family members while ransacking the premises.
“If the fight is between them (militants) and the forces why bring families into this?” asked Nazir Malik, Dada’s father.
Similar reports of ransacking the family homes of militants during nocturnal raids have come from Shopian, Pulwama and Awantipora districts.
Deputy Inspector general of police (South), Amit Kumar said he has no information about the incidents. “No such complaint has come to me,” Kumar said.
