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Enforcement of POTO sends shock waves in Valley Kashmir Times, Nov 28, 2001 KT NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, Nov 27: The implementation of Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance here has sent shivers down the spine of the people. It was the most hotly debated issue today with people evaluating the colossal sufferings its use and misuse will unleash. The state became the first place in the country where the ordinance is implemented. Police on Sunday, sealed a house of Gulam Mohammad Dar, a resident of Malik Mohalla Safa Kadal and evicted the inmates. The house was allegedly used as a hide-out by militants. Dar was arrested some days back and he has been booked under several sections of POTO. Given the volatile situation prevalent in state, it is widely believed here that the incidents related to the implementation of ordinance will become a routine. "Within six months half of valley residents would be on roads", lamented Khurshid Ahmad, an advocate. In every nook and corner today, people were seen discussing the ramifications of implementing such an ordinance. The news of first incident was received with shock. In offices, educational institutions, mosques and residential houses, terrified people were rapt in the discussions over the issue. "Every day we hear of dozens of incidents of encounters, arrests, recovery of arms from various places. It means all such places would be sealed, although it is a known fact that nobody invites militants to their houses", said Gulam Rasool Wani, a fruit vendor here. It is considered more devastating than the destruction of houses during encounters. "Whenever an encounter takes place from a house, it is razed to ground or in other cases houses were blasted. But the effected person can re-construct it afterwards. Here the entire family is forced to take refuge in the street. Then there is a very thin line between a militant and a civilian", he said. Its misuse is the most worrying aspect of the entire episode. "That means we cannot afford to face a cop. For a trivial issue, they can show recovery from our house and seal it. Besides, extortion is an order of the day here and this time if one dares to refuse it, its implications could well be understood", said Mushtaq Ahmad, an employee. Common people are also wondering that ruling party here has offered no opposition to an ordinance, which has been branded by opposition in centre and by civil libertarians as draconian. "Even if their opposition had caused least difference, but they should have aired their concern", he said. NC general secretary Shiekh Nazir Ahmad, when contacted, said he is not aware about any sealing of house here. "What I know is the ordinance has not been implemented here. And for rest, I cannot comment off hand", he said. ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9WB2D Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
