Man arrested over braid-chopping rumour in Kashmir

Close to 30 cases of braid chopping, excluding 15 unsuccessful attempts, have been reported across the Kashmir valley till October 7.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday arrested a man on charges of spreading a rumour about the death of a girl after a braid-chopping incident in Habbakadal area of Srinagar, a police spokesman said.

Women shout slogans and block a road during a protest against braid choping incidents in the Valley at Habakadal in Srinagar on October 6. (PTI Photo)

The miscreant, identified as Abid Hussain Saudagar, was traced and arrested from Arampora locality in Nawakadal area, he said.

“The police has arrested a rumour-monger who had spread the rumour about the death of a girl,” the spokesman said.

He said the rumour had spread like a “wild fire” last evening.

“Most of the people panicked and a sense of insecurity prevailed all over. People got emotional and started pelting stones at the security forces establishments and vehicles,” the spokesman said.

“It was planned to generate a potential for civil unrest,” he said.

The spokesman said the police investigated the rumour and found it “baseless”.