Over 20 arrested for beating, labeling innocents as braid choppers

Police arrested over 20 persons, allegedly involved in thrashing innocent people after labeling them as braid choppers during the past 24 hours in the Kashmir valley, where over 150 such cases were reported during the past two months. However, police have so far failed to make any breakthrough despite announcing a cash reward of Rs Six lakhs besides constituting Special Investigation Teams (SIT) in the valley, where District Magistrates (DMs) have now set up their own teams to stop braid chopping.

Besides all opposition parties, separatists have also joined the issue and alleged that some government agencies were involved in braid chopping incidents in the valley, where a general strike has been observed on Saturday against these incidents. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Munir Ahmad Khan send a stern warning against those who are taking law into their hands and beating innocent people after labeling them as braid choppers. Mr Khan said 8 miscreants were arrested who beat up and critically injured a youth and tried to kill him in Dal Lake area. Similarly over a dozen others were arrested in Sopore, who attempted to set on fire a mentally challenged youth. Director General of Police (DGP) Dr S P Vaid has instructed police to take strong action against all those who are taking law into their own hands and beating up innocents.

Taking to micro blogging site twitter Dr Vaid said “Mentally challenged mistaken as braid chopper ruthlessly beaten in Sopore rescued by Police. FIR registered culprits identified. @spvaid”. He further said ““instructed for strong action. Culprits won't be spared”. Mr Khan said that it was good that Mohalla committees have been formed against the braid choppers.

However, he said, ruthlessly beating innocents would not be tolerated. He also said if there is any suspicious movement of any persons, just call police to investigate. Locals could also remain with the police during the questioning of suspected person, he said. An elderly person, suspected as braid chopper, was killed after he was hit in the head with a brick while over 15 others, including security and police personnel, were thrashed and injured by mob after labeling them as hair cutters in the valley.