Braid chopping: Mobile internet suspended in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 6: Mobile internet service of all cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, were on Friday suspended as a precautionary measure in Kashmir, where braid chopping incidents have witnessed an alarming increase. The increase in braid chopping incidents has created a fear psychosis among people in Kashmir, where a 70-year-old man, who was mistaken as a braid chopper died this morning after being hit by a brick late last night in Anantnag. Mobile internet service remained suspended for the fourth day on Friday in entire south Kashmir, which has witnessed the highest braid chopping incidents in the Valley. Officials told UNI the internet services were suspended from this afternoon in the valley in view of protest call given by separatists and to prevent unnecessary panic among people following rumours about hoax braid chopping incidents. However, the banning of the services has led to more rumours about braid chopping incidents. From last couple of days, social media, including Facebook and Whatsapp, has been abuzz with video and live stream of protests at many places in the valley against alleged failure of the government to stop such incidents. Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday claimed to have rescued a youth, who was mistaken for a braid chopper and thrashed by a mob in Ganderbal district. A youth, Nayeem Ahmad Malla, was rescued by police after he was mistaken as a braid chopper and thrashed by a mob at Delina in Baramulla. Two burka-clad women were also beaten during a marriage ceremony in downtown Srinagar when they were mistaken for braid choppers on Tuesday. Following these incidents, police had requested people not to fall prey to rumours and reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against attention seekers in the garb of braid chopping. With no headway in any of the braid chopping cases, police on October 1 doubled the reward money to Rs 6 lakh for giving information or assistance in nabbing any person found involved in braid chopping. The helplines have also been established in every district of the valley. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the government was trying its best to nab and punish the people involved in the crime. Special police teams have also been deputed in the twin districts of Anantnag and Kulgam to crack the cases. So far over 40 braid chopping incidents have been reported in Kashmir valley, where such cases have created panic among people. Many people living in various parts of the Valley have stopped going to morning and evening walks due to the scare of braid chopping. UNI