Police collecting details of Kashmiris in Nainital

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After we get the details, we verify their credentials from our counterparts in J&K. This way we can keep watch on them here

DEEPAK BHATT, inspector, local intelligence unit Nainital

NAINITAL: Police are collecting the details of Kashmiri students, traders, tenants and those working in various areas of Nainital district to keep a watch on them, complete their verification and ensure their safety, police said.

Deepak Bhatt, inspector local intelligence unit Nainital, said that so far over 42 students studying in various educational institutions have been identified. “This includes around 15 students from Kumaon University, eight in Ramnagar, four in Bhimtal, eight in Haldwani and so on.”

Bhatt said given the sensitive situation across the country, it has become paramount to get the details of the Kashmiris working or studying here. “After we get the details, we verify their credentials from our counterparts in Jammu and Kashmir. This way we can keep a watch on them here and also ensure their safety,” he said.

Deepak Bisht, sub-inspector at Malital police station, said that verification of the outsiders in the district is an ongoing process.

“We have already carried out verification for many Kashmiris and the process is underway. We are also covering the shawl sellers and other traders who come here seasonally. On Saturday, we collected the details of two shawl sellers in Nainital. Their details will be verified by the police in Jammu and Kashmir. All this is important to ensure that nothing untoward happens here,” he said.

Last month, following protest by some rightwing activists and a complaint by a local, Nainital Police had filed an FIR against a Kashmiri student studying B Tech second year at an educational institute in Bhimtal under Indian Penal Code sections 504 and 153 for alleged breach of peace and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion.

Bhimtal based Sunil Mehta made a written complaint at Bhowali police station that a Kashmiri student studying at Bhimtal had allegedly posted derogatory remarks against India on Facebook while commenting on a poster of movie Uri-The Surgical Strike.