‘Outsiders took law into their hands, won’t be spared’: IGP Birdi
Police vow tough action; youth urged to stay away from drug
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Police have arrested eight persons and identified 25 others for their alleged involvement in vandalism during student protests in Sopore town of North Kashmir.
According to Police officials, the arrests were made following incidents of damage to public and private property during protests that erupted after harassment allegations surfaced against a lecturer in Sopore on Monday.
A police official said the arrested individuals were involved in ransacking school property and damaging vehicles.
“Eight miscreants have been arrested so far, while 25 more have been identified. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in disturbing public order,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.
Authorities have urged the public to maintain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
He further urged people to refrain from sharing provocative, misleading, or unverified content, stating that the Cyber Police is closely monitoring online activity. He warned that strict action will be taken against violators and appealed to the public to act responsibly.
Talking to reporters in Srinagar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi said that some elements had indulged in unlawful activities.
“Some elements took the law into their own hands and attempted illegal acts. They had no connection with the school. Legal action will be taken against all those involved,” he said, asserting that the culprits will not be spared.
Police said the protests in Sopore were triggered after a girl student accused a school lecturer of harassment. A case has been registered against the accused teacher, and an investigation has been initiated.
Protests had turned violent at several places, resulting in damage to school property and vehicles, while a few persons sustained minor injuries during clashes before police restored order.
Meanwhile, IGP Birdi said the Jammu and Kashmir Police will further intensify its anti-drug operations in a “mission mode” across the Valley.
“J&K Police has always been working in mission mode against drugs. In the coming days, our action will be swifter and more targeted to ensure strict legal action against peddlers, smugglers and traffickers,” he said.
He added that law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling drug networks and ensuring a safer society through stronger enforcement measures.
Highlighting the importance of youth participation, the IGP urged young people to stay away from substance abuse. “Youth are the backbone of the nation. They must remain disciplined and contribute positively to society,” he said.
Referring to the Sopore incident, he reiterated that those involved were outsiders and that the investigation is ongoing.
Earlier, the IGP visited a Gurudwara on the occasion of Baisakhi, where he extended greetings to the Sikh community and prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony, stating that the festival symbolizes sacrifice, justice and the protection of the oppressed
