Kashmiri youth arrested in Arunachal Pradesh amid espionage allegations
Rights observers warn of targeting Kashmiris under so-called security pretext
Srinagar: Indian occupation authorities have arrested two youth from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir in Arunachal Pradesh on charges of espionage.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the latest arrest took place in Aalo town, West Siang district, where Hilal Ahmed, 26, son of late Mohammad Shadik Mir, was taken into custody late Wednesday night. Police said Hilal Ahmed had been in Aalo since November 25 to participate in a trade fair and had travelled through Papum Pare district. He was carrying a valid Inner Line Permit and other documents, which were found to be in order. Hilal Ahmed was handed over to Itanagar Police Station for further investigation.
Earlier, on November 22, Arunachal Pradesh Police arrested Nazir Ahmad Malik, a resident of Kupwara district in IIOJK, from rented accommodation in Ganga village under Chimpu police station limits in Itanagar district. Authorities claimed that Malik was allegedly collecting and transmitting sensitive information regarding Indian Army and paramilitary troop movements and installations.
Two mobile phones seized from him reportedly contained incriminating material, including links to a channel named “Al AQSA”.
The arrests come amid heightened raids targeting Kashmiris across India, with authorities citing national security concerns. Rights observers, however, warn that such cases are often framed under espionage allegations to harass and intimidate the Kashmiri community, raising concerns over due process and civil liberties.
These developments have once again highlighted the growing insecurity faced by Kashmiris in occupied India, as well as the broader political and security environment in the region.
