Hurriyat Leader Alleges Pre-Election Crackdown in Kashmir

Separatist Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has accused Kashmir authorities of preemptively detaining citizens ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Farooq, himself placed under house arrest, claims that political workers and youth are being targeted and intimidated to deter participation in the electoral process.

Separatist Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has accused the authorities in Kashmir of taking people into preventive custody ahead of the imminent assembly elections.

Farooq also stated that he was placed under house arrest and denied the opportunity to attend a crucial meeting of an Islamic clerics' organization on Thursday.

'As the assembly elections approach, despite the Election Commission of India's guidelines to avoid preventive detention and unnecessary police reports, dozens across towns, villages, and Srinagar city are being detained,' alleged Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat faction, in an emailed statement.

'Political workers and youth are being harassed and forced to report to police stations, where surety bonds are demanded,' he added.

The Mirwaiz said police stations had prepared extensive lists of individuals to be detained leading up to the elections.

'Those detained and listed fear being booked under harsh laws like the PSA and UAPA,' he stated.

Farooq urged authorities to refrain from actions that incite fear and intimidate people.

The three-phase elections for the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are scheduled for September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the results to follow on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)