Army’s ‘census’ sparks outrage in Sopore, admin unaware

KE News:

Srinagar: Strong resentment is brewing among the locals in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district where Army has started a census operation in the last few days.

Locals said that the personnel of Army’s 46 Rashtriya Rifles visited many localities of the Apple town and asked the residents to furnish the names and contact details of their family members. The census, they said was completed by Army in at least four areas of the town, including City Colony B and C, Noorabad and Shalimar colony by Thursday this week. The census, they said was in progress in Baghat, Iqbal colony, Batpora and Chinkipora and other areas.

“The Army gave me a form and asked me to submit it. It carried various columns, ranging from name, age, occupation, contact details and more. I declined, but they issued subtle threats,” a Mohalla elder, wishing not to be named, due to the fear of reprisal by Army said.

“I was also asked to furnish the details of the former militants with pictures. This is sheer harassment,” he added.

Not just the residents, but the traders are under scanner in the Apple town. Army, the locals said frequently visited various markets and photographed the shopkeepers. More recently, the Army teams visited General Bus Stand and captured the pictures of the traders.

“Army took our pictures and said it was part of their anti-militancy operations. They said, they want to keep a record of the shopkeepers,” a trader, pleading anonymity said.

He said that an Army team carrying cameras today visited Iqbal market, apparently to continue the exercise.

“Today they didn’t click. They roamed around the market and left,” he added.

Deputy Commissioner (DC), Baramulla, Bashir Ahmad Bhat said that he was not aware of the Army’s census in the Sopore town. However, he said he’ll look into the matter.

“I have no information about this issue. Census is carried nationwide in a well planned manner by the government. Army has no role in it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Friday said that the government will find out the truth behind the Army census in the volatile town.

"I don't base things on newspaper stories. I'll find out what the facts are & make my own assessment," Omar, tweeted on the micro-blogging website twitter last night.