Thousands of people have reportedly been detained and residential properties demolished in Indian-administered Kashmir following the killing of a police officer, according to local media reports and political leaders.
Indian publication International Business Times reported that security forces launched a large-scale crackdown in the Anantnag district after the incident, further intensifying the region’s long-running political tensions.
The Kashmir Media Service (KMS) claimed that Indian security forces demolished two residential houses using explosives during the operation. The report also alleged that more than 3,500 Kashmiris have been taken into custody as part of the ongoing crackdown.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the reported detentions, saying similar measures had been witnessed after the Pahalgam attack. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the arrests and house demolitions, describing them as a form of collective punishment with no place in a democracy.
Amnesty International has previously expressed concern over human rights conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that restrictions and alleged rights violations have increased in recent years.
Indian authorities have not publicly confirmed the reported figure of 3,500 detentions or responded to the allegations regarding the demolition of residential properties. The situation remains sensitive, and several of the claims made by local organizations and political leaders could not be independently verified.
The developments are expected to draw renewed attention to the human rights situation and the ongoing political dispute in the region.
