Indian Police Launch Raids Across Bandipora, IIOJK Targeting Kashmiri Civilians

In yet another crackdown, Indian forces intensified their harassment of Kashmiri civilians under the pretext of anti-terror operations in Bandipora.

Indian police today carried out extensive searches at multiple locations across Bandipora district in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Officials claimed the raids targeted the residences of suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs) allegedly linked to banned organizations.

The police reported that raids were conducted at the home of Bashir Ahmad Butt, a resident of Butt Mohalla Sumbal, and Sajad Ahmad Nawoo, from Naidkhai. Both individuals are suspected of having ties to banned groups—namely, the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) and Jammu and Kashmir People’s League. The operations were reportedly connected to an FIR registered against them at Sumbal Police Station.

In addition, law enforcement personnel raided the houses of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh from Bagh Bandipora and Ghulam Mohammad Waza from Ward 04, Plan Bandipora. Police allege both are associated with OGW networks.

Another search was conducted in the Vigpara area. This raid was linked to an FIR registered under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which has often been criticized for its misuse against political activists and civilians.

These fresh raids reflect the ongoing pattern of intimidation and harassment of Kashmiris under the guise of law enforcement, further deepening the human rights concerns in the occupied territory.