With the failure of administration in tracing the culprits behind the mysterious braid chopping incidents, protests and clashes were reported in South and central Kashmir areas, as people demanded identification of the culprits involved. 

Sources informed Kashmir Vision that three fresh incidents of mysterious braid chopping were reported in South Kashmir’s Kulgam and Anantnag district today.

The incidents of braid chopping were reported in Nihama village of Kulgam district and Chrarlipora Padshahi Bagh of Anantnag district.

Sources informed that the unidentified persons appeared in Nihama village of Kulgam district and chopped off the braid of a mother of three children. The incident has sent shock waves among locals. The victim was shifted to Public Health Centre (PHC) Nihama for treatment.

As soon as the news spread in the adjoining district, scores of people hit the roads at Lal Chowk Anantang and clashed with police, who retaliated with tear-smoke shells.

The clashes soon spread to other areas of the town including Achabal Adda and old town localities of Reeshi Bazar.

The second victim whose braid was chopped off at Chrarlipora Padshahi Bagh was identified as Asmat Jan.

A mysterious braid chopping  incident was  also reported in Shopian district today.

Local sources informed that a 30-year-old lady from Batpora Manihal area of Shopian district was alone at her house and  was busy in preparing food stuff. They said that an unknown  person came close to her and sprayed a exotic spray due to which she fell unconscious.

Sources informed Kashmir Vision that the lady after gaining consciousness found her braid chopped off.

Notably, dozens of mysterious braid chopping incidents have been reported in twin districts of Anantang and Kulgam from past 10 days while police is still clueless.

It is worth to mention here that the Police has sought public support in tracing the culprits behind and announced a reward of Rs 3 lakhs to those who provide credible information about the culprits.

Meanwhile, scores of people in Quimoh area of Southern Kashmir’s Kulgam district protested and blocked Anantnag-Kulgan road against the increasing braid-chopping incidents in the area.

The residents alleged that the administration has failed to provide any security to the girls and failed in nabbing even a single culprit involved in braid chopping.

“The administration is shielding the culprits,” a local alleged.

Meanwhile, a complete shutdown was observed in the area today against the “administrative failure” in stopping the mysterious braid chopping incidents.

Pertinently, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had directed the Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid to speed up the investigation and trace the culprits involved in the mysterious braid chopping incidents at earliest. Police has already announced formation of a SIT to probe the incidents. 

Meanwhile, a protest against mysterious braid chopping incident was staged by women in Nowgam area in the outskirts of Srinagar city.

Witnesses said that an elderly woman at Bongam Nowgam claimed that three masked men tried to enter into her house. However, she sounded alarm forcing the criminals to flee from the spot. The women hit the roads after a word spread that one of the criminals have been arrested by police.

Police official according to the local news gathering agency denied the reports that they have arrested any culprit. The official said that no braid cutting attempt was made in Nowgam area.

Reports said that a mysterious braid chopping incident was also reported in Hazratbal area of Srinagar.

Following these incidents in Srinagar district, the Police has set up a helpline so that “people could inform and seek assistance with regard to any braid cutting incident.”

Meanwhile, police has reportedly arrested two non locals for questioning after braid chopping rumours in Hadipora, Rafiabad area of north Kashmir, police sources said.

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