Kashmiri Pandit Activist Rakesh Handoo Arrested in Terror Threat Case
Kashmiri Pandit activist Rakesh Handoo has been arrested in Faridabad, Haryana, in connection with an investigation into alleged threats issued against Kashmiri Pandit employees in Jammu and Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
According to reports, a police team from Baramulla arrested Handoo on October 17 after he allegedly failed to appear before investigators despite repeated summons. He has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), according to police officials cited in the report.
Threat Letters Spark Concern Among Employees
The case follows the circulation of purported threat letters in August targeting Kashmiri Pandit employees, with some messages reportedly containing their names and contact details.
The threats triggered concern among employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s special employment package. Hundreds were reportedly placed on administrative leave for nearly three weeks and advised to stay away from their workplaces amid security concerns.
Inspector General of Police Sujit Kumar said investigators had obtained substantial clues regarding Handoo’s alleged involvement in the case.
According to the grounds of arrest reportedly served on Handoo’s wife, an FIR was registered on September 21, and he was initially directed to appear before police in Baramulla on September 26.
Background of the Employment Package
Around 6,000 Kashmiri Pandits have received government jobs under the Prime Minister’s special employment package introduced in 2010. The initiative was intended to support the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits displaced during the onset of militancy in the Valley in 1990.
The community faced renewed security concerns in 2022 following targeted attacks that killed several Kashmiri Pandits. The attacks prompted months of protests by package employees demanding relocation to Jammu.
Although the government did not agree to transfer all employees to Jammu, many were subsequently posted at safer locations in Srinagar and other major towns in the Valley.
Security agencies have also intensified operations following attacks and threats against migrant workers and other civilians in the region.
Sanjay Saraf Questions the Arrest
Kashmiri Pandit leader Sanjay Saraf has described Handoo’s arrest as unfortunate and called for a review of the charges.
Saraf, a Lok Janshakti Party leader, said the arrest of a community activist raised concerns, particularly given the suffering Kashmiri Pandits have experienced because of terrorism.
Handoo previously contested the 2008 Assembly election against National Conference president Farooq Abdullah from the Hazratbal constituency in Srinagar but was unsuccessful.
The investigation is ongoing. The allegations against Handoo have not been established in court, and further legal proceedings are expected to determine the case.
