Civilians used as human shield during CASO in Pulwama, locals allege

SRINAGAR — The government forces on Wednesday allegedly thrashed several youth and used them as human shields, during a cordon and search operation (CASO) in Narwa village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Locals said that the forces barged into many residential houses in the village and conducted door-to-door searches.

During the operation, the forces allegedly thrashed several youth in the village and used them as human shields during the operation.

Sources said that the search operation was launched in the wee hours in the village following specific inputs about the presence of militants in the area.

Latest reports suggest that no arrests were made and the operation was called off later in the evening.

Meanwhile, PRO Defence, Col. Rajesh Kalia denied the allegations about the thrashing of civilians and using them as human shield during the CASO and termed it as baseless.