Youth compelled for forced labour by Indian army in Kulgam
ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT ONLINE):For the past several days, Indian troops have been snatching I-cards of youth in Kulgam district and then summoning them to their camp where they are beaten up and compelled for forced labour in Indian occupied Kashmir, .
According to Kashmir Media Service, the residents of Ashmuji area of the district talking to media men said the Indian soldiers dial their numbers and summon them to their camp. They said that not only the students but middle aged men are also being subjected to harassment and forced labour in the Indian army camp.
“My I-card was snatched by Indian army and later I was asked to report to their camp. As I went there next morning, I was beaten up on the allegations that I am a stone-pelter. I was then forced to work as a labourer. I was allowed to go home in the evening but told that I should report to the camp again,” said Muhamad Amir Sheikh, a final year student at the Government Degree College Kulgam. He said that the Indian soldiers forced him to haul construction material, oil barrels and other materials besides breaking stones and cutting grass at the camp.
An 11th class student, Umar Rehman Dar, who also was forced to work at the camp said, “I was made to carry big iron rods and boulders. They let me go in the evening but they did not return my I-card. They told me to bring my other friends along the next time. Though my father went there to fetch my card, he was told to tell me to come myself.”
“My entire body is aching. I am not even able to sleep properly. I feel scared that the army might come home any time and beat me up for not coming to the camp,” Umar added.
Another student, Ubaid Abdullah Dar said, “I too was summoned and made to do all sorts of odd works by army men from morning till evening and then told to come again along with my friends. I have switched off my phone because the Indian forces used to make calls too frequently.”
Suhail Ahmed Dar, a student from Boys Degree College Islamabad, said his I-card was snatched by the Indian soldiers who also asked him to report to the camp. “I didn’t go after I heard from other what they make you do there,” he said.