Two Kashmiri Youths Arrested Under Controversial Law in Shopian

Srinagar, Indian security forces detained two young men from Shopian district in occupied Jammu and Kashmir today. The arrests have sparked concerns over the use of stringent laws against local residents, amid ongoing tensions in the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the individuals, identified as Suhaib Iqbal and Tufail Yousuf, were apprehended by personnel from the Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police during an operation at Malik Chak crossing. Both are residents of Baba Mohalla, Shopian. A police official stated that the youths were believed to be associates of pro-freedom activists. Consequently, they have been charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) at Police Station Heerpora, and investigations are currently ongoing.

The use of the UAPA has been widely criticized by human rights organizations as being overly broad and restrictive, often leading to prolonged detentions without trial.