By day, the Indian-held Kashmir is in the grip of an uneasy calm. But at night, raids by Indian security forces looking for youths supporting the militant cause are causing widespread fear.
Indian army on Monday has arrested numerous Kashmiris after raiding several houses in the occupied valley.
Even as the valley remains shut for the 86th day, a semblance of normality has returned, barring some parts of south Kashmir, the epicentre of a seemingly unending unrest.
“Night-time raids do not take place in Kashmir alone. They take place across the country when the police have to catch any criminal,” Deputy Inspector General of Police Nitish Kumar told media over the telephone, adding: “We raid in the morning, afternoon, evening and similarly during night.”
Indian troops stormed the residences in Srinagar, Kupwara, Budgam and Bandipur and took the people into custody.
Occupied Kashmir is under siege and violence since July 8, 2016, after the extra-judicial murder of the top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Burhan Wani, by Indian troops.
More than 100 people have died and thousands injured by Indian troops in held Kashmir.
Educational institutions, business centres, public transport remain suspended whereas people have been forcibly stranded in their houses.
On the other hand, Hurriyet leaders have extended the strike call till October 6.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since they gained independence from Britain seven decades ago, two of them over Kashmir. Both claim the region in full.
A number of freedom fighting groups in the India-held part of the picturesque territory have for decades been fighting to break free from New Delhi.
