Fact-Check: Security forces detained two youths in Kashmir. Is this an attempt to silence Kashmiris? Here are the facts

Some pak-based handles took to social media platform X(formerly Twitter) and claimed that Indian forces have detained two young Kashmiris in separate incidents – a youth in Pulwama by Rashtriya Rifles & CRPF, & 27-year-old Shahid Saleem Lone at a Kupwara checkpoint. Alleged “pro-freedom activism” is cited, but many see these actions as attempts to silence Kashmiris’ calls for self-determination through constant detentions.

An account by the name of Kashmir English posted an image on X and wrote: “Indian forces have detained two young Kashmiris in separate incidents – a youth in Pulwama by Rashtriya Rifles & CRPF, and 27-year-old Shahid Saleem Lone at a Kupwara checkpoint. Alleged “pro-freedom activism” is cited, but many see these actions as attempts to silence Kashmiris’ calls for self-determination through constant detentions”

Furthermore, several accounts from Pak shared this claim with similar facts. The preview link can be seen here & here.

Fact-check

The DFRAC team investigated the above viral claim and found some latest reports from Rising Kashmir, ANI , Greater Kashmir and Jammu link news.

According to the reports by Rising Kashmir and ANI, Pulwama Police apprehend one terror associate with 10 grenades. Upon checking, 10 live grenades and 5 batteries were found to be in his possession which were carefully wrapped and kept in the under seat of the two-wheeler as he was travelling with his scooty and asked to stop when searches were made.

While investigating another claim, we came across reports from Greater Kashmir and Jammu link news. As per reports, officials on Wednesday said they arrested a youth of 27, named Shahid Saleem Lone, for allegedly transporting arms and ammunition in a bag of rice on his motorcycle in north Kashmir’s Handwara.

Conclusion

It is evident from DFRAC’s fact-check that a youth in Pulwama was arrested for carrying 10 live grenades and 5 batteries whereas another youth of 27 was apprehended for allegedly transporting arms & ammunition in a bag of rice in north Kashmir’s Handwara. Hence, the claim made by Pak handles is misleading