Kashmiri Trader Arrested in Delhi on False Charges: A Case of Alleged Political Targeting

In a controversial move that has raised questions about political targeting, a prominent Kashmiri businessman was arrested in New Delhi by Indian police, allegedly on fabricated charges.

The arrest of Parvez Ahmad Khan, a well-known Kashmiri trader from Bemina, Srinagar, has sparked widespread concern. On a business trip to Delhi, Khan was detained by the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) in collaboration with the Delhi Police and the CID Cell. The charge: involvement in activities linked to pro-freedom organizations and alleged ties with Hurriyat groups in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.

According to the Indian authorities, Khan was arrested under the suspicion of being a supporter of separatist movements, despite his public persona as a small business owner. Khan’s family and colleagues have vehemently denied these claims, stating that he was in Delhi solely for his handicraft business dealings.

The arrest took place in a hotel in New Delhi, where Khan was staying during his business trip. The CIK, responsible for handling security threats and intelligence within Kashmir, reportedly labelled Khan as a “pro-freedom” figure. This accusation, however, lacks any verifiable evidence, according to Khan’s supporters.

The Indian authorities’ claim that Khan had connections with political groups operating in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan has raised alarms. These allegations are seen by some as politically motivated, designed to silence dissenting voices from IIOJK. Khan’s family believes the charges against him are baseless and part of a broader attempt to suppress the Kashmiri business community.

After his arrest, Khan was reportedly transferred to Srinagar, where he is expected to appear before a court. A transit remand from the Delhi court has been secured, allowing for his transfer from Delhi to Kashmir. It is also believed that further arrests may be made as part of the investigation into this case, though details remain unclear.

The incident has raised significant concerns about the treatment of Kashmiri traders and business people, many of whom feel increasingly targeted by Indian authorities. The nature of the charges and the manner in which the arrest was conducted have fueled speculation about political motives behind the case.

The situation is also raising broader questions about the increasing scrutiny of Kashmiri citizens, particularly those with business interests outside the region. Many fear that the arrest could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of Kashmiri nationals in the future.

This arrest follows a pattern of crackdowns on individuals from IIOJK who are suspected of having pro-independence views. It highlights the tense and highly charged political atmosphere in the region, where accusations of political and religious affiliations are often used to justify arrests and detainments.

The arrest of Parvez Ahmad Khan brings to light ongoing tensions in IIOJK, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the actions of the Indian authorities. Whether or not the charges hold weight, the case has sparked a broader debate about the treatment of Kashmiri people in India and the use of security agencies to stifle political opposition.