6 Detained After Protests Over Sexual Harassment Allegation In J&K

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a crackdown following recent protests against an alleged sexual harassment of a student in Sopore town of north Kashmir.

At least six protesters have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), under which a person can be jailed for up to two years without trial or prosecution. The arrested men have been shifted to a jail in Bhadarwah, around 300 kilometres from Sopore.

Police said the accused were involved in "vandalism and disturbing public order and more people are being identified and they too will be booked under the public safety act."

Protests Over Harassment Allegation

Student protests erupted in Sopore after a student of a girls' higher secondary school alleged harassment by a teacher on April 13. While police have lodged an FIR in connection with the complaint, no arrest has been made so far.

"We are investigating the case. So far, no statement has been made about the sexual harassment before the police," said a police officer.

Following the protests, the Jammu and Kashmir Education Department ordered a probe and suspended the teacher. The department said an inquiry into the allegations is underway and a report will be submitted within 15 days.

Crackdown After Protests

However, days after the protests, police began a crackdown against those allegedly involved, and several people were detained. On Friday, Sopore police posted photographs of six men on its social media handles after booking them under the PSA.

"We have not arrested any student who protested against alleged sexual harassment. Action has been taken against those who came from outside to stoke trouble after student protests," a senior police officer told NDTV.

He said the accused were involved in stone-pelting and vandalism. The officer added that around 1,500 students had protested in Sopore after the allegation of sexual harassment in the school, but the situation turned violent after outsiders joined the protests. "Some people from outside also joined these protests which led to a serious law and order problem. There are some people who are looking for an opportunity to create disturbances," he said.

The use of the Public Safety Act by police and magistrates in Kashmir has often drawn criticism. Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court questioned the wanton use of the PSA in the region and observed that the "PSA in Jammu and Kashmir is being invoked with less care than a challan."

Police, however, defended their action and issued a stern warning against any attempt to disrupt public order.

"In a firm action against elements involved in disturbing public order, police in Sopore have booked six miscreants under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for their involvement in recent law and order disturbances and acts of vandalism during a student protest in Sopore," police said in a statement.

According to police, those booked under the PSA have been identified as Umar Akbar Hajam, a resident of Seelu; Salman Ahmed Shala, resident of Shalpora Sopore; Altaf Ahmed Sheikh, resident of Panzipora Tarzoo; Mubashir Ahmed Gilkar, resident of Naseerabad Sopore; Muzammil Mushtaq Changa, resident of Arampora Sopore; and Majid Firdous Dar, a resident of Chinkipora Sopore.

"They have been detained under PSA after obtaining proper detention warrants from the competent authority (District Magistrate) and have been lodged in District Jail Bhadarwah," the statement said.

Police added, "These miscreants were actively involved in instigating unrest, indulging in vandalism and attempting to disturb peace during a recent protest by students. Their activities posed a serious threat to public order and safety."

"J&K Police reiterate that there is zero tolerance for any unlawful activity that threatens peace and stability. In addition, more individuals involved in the said incidents are being identified and are under process for similar legal action, including detention under PSA," the statement added.

According to police, "a stern warning has been issued that any attempt to exploit sensitive situations or engage in acts that disturb public order will invite strict and immediate action under law."

Police further appealed to people to "stay away from such unlawful activities and not to fall prey to instigation by anti-social elements. Parents and community leaders are urged to guide their wards and ensure their constructive engagement."