Days after terror attack, Pahalgam SHO transferred
Srinagar, May 6 -- Days after terrorists killed 25 tourists and a local at Baisaran meadow, the Pahalgam station house officer (SHO) has been attached to district police lines, Anantnag.
Anantnag senior superintendent of police (SSP) on Monday issued an order in which six police inspectors were shifted to different places. Among them SHO Riyaz Ahmad was transferred to District Police Lines, Anantnag. Inspector Peer Gulzar Ahmad has been posted as new Pahalgam SHO. He was earlier posted at police lines Anantnag.
Though officials or the order has not mentioned that the SHO's transfer is fallout of the recent terror attack, however, those privy to security details said that the transfer of SHO could be reason for his failure to assess the terror threat to tourists at the famous picnic spot. The SHO had reached at the spot 20 to 25 minutes after the incident happened.
The initial case about this attack was registered at Pahalgam police station and a senior police officer of additional SP rank was assigned to investigate it, however, NIA had taken over the case .
Former J&K chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said that rounding up of local shawl vendors, poniwalas, tea sellers and others, who are simply trying to earn a livelihood, for questioning is deeply disturbing.
Mehbooba was in Pahalgam on Monday.
Mehbooba said the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam had left the entire region in mourning. "The people of Kashmir unanimously came out against this gruesome attack and unequivocally condemned it. However, the manner in which our local civilians across Kashmir and especially from Pahalgam - shawl vendors, poniwalas, tea sellers and others simply trying to earn a livelihood are being rounded up for questioning or detained is deeply disturbing," she said.
"Even more disturbing are reports that some civilians who voluntarily presented themselves for questioning to assist the investigation were labelled as OGWs and returned to their families in body bags. These were poor men with no political or militant affiliations, simply trying to cooperate in good faith. While a full and transparent probe must be initiated in these matters without delay," shesaid.
Keeping in view the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, Mehbooba urged Union home minister Amit Shah to provide financial support to the poniwalas, who play a crucial role in facilitating the pilgrimage and called for waiving off the interest on loans taken by hoteliers, taxi operators, and other tourism - dependent workers for the current financial year....
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