Tral family accuses army of 'assault' during search, forces rebut allegations

Srinagar: Refuting allegations by a family that troops on Monday night assaulted their daughter in a village in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, the Army on Wednesday said that no search of any house or manhandling of anyone was carried out by the jawans.

An Army spokesperson said in the evening of September 27, an Army night domination party had gone to village Seer in Tral, Pulwama. “While moving near Arapal Nala which passes through the village, they spotted two persons sitting next to the Nala. The two individuals were called and when they were being questioned, an individual named Ali Mohammad Chopan and his family members came out of their house, which was nearby,” he said.

He said as soon as they came out of the house, Ishrat Jaan, daughter of Ali Mohammad Chopan, feigned fainting and the family members started shouting. “They called other villagers and started blaming Army for ransacking the house and beating the girl. It is reiterated that Army personnel were not close to the house or to the girl when she feigned fainting,” he said.

He said Chopan is father of Shabir Ahmad Chopan, presently in jail under Public Safety Act (PSA) for providing logistic support to militants. “The family is also related to slain JeM militant Abdul Hamid Chopan, who was killed on August 21, 2021 in Nagaberan during an operation. The family was also providing logistic support to slain JeM militant Saifulla alias Lamboo, who was killed on July 31, 2021,” he said.

The spokesperson said in the recent months, security forces have carried out a number of successful operations neutralising JeM militants and severely impacting their network in Tral. “This orchestrated allegation was expected from militant supporters to impede the relentless operations by security forces aimed at ensuring peace in the Valley. Necessary complaints are being filed with J&K Police against people who are spreading rumours and feeding false information to disrupt peace and incite citizens against Indian Army,” he added. (UNI)