In what is another brutal crackdown in Kashmir after the killing of a police constable, the authorities have detained over 3,500 people across multiple districts including Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian, Baramulla and others.
Many were reportedly picked up for questioning as suspected “Over Ground Workers” (OGWs). It is important to know that such an action comes just when two Kashmiri activists Khurram Parvez and Irfan Mehraj were released on bail in July 2026 after spending several years in custody under anti-terrorism laws with no substantial proof against them. Parvez had been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2021, while Mehraj was arrested in 2023. The Delhi High Court refused to suspend the release order after the NIA had appealed against the release.
The term “Over Ground Worker” is a classification that human rights groups have pointed out to be dangerous, often facilitating repression and illegal detention much before even appearing before the court. The label understood as someone who provides logistical, financial, communication, recruitment, shelter, or intelligence support to militant organizations is used for broad application and can mean repeated police questioning, travel restrictions, or prosecution under anti-terrorism laws.
Further, the houses of alleged militants were destroyed by the government raising concerns about due process and the impact on family members who are not accused of any offence. While the government has defended these actions as necessary to dismantle militant support networks and prevent further attacks, such measures are nothing but undermining constitutional rights of the people.
AISA condemns the detention of over 3500 people and demands that constitutional rights be upheld in Kashmir. AISA
