The Kashmir Pulse

BARAMULLA — Kashmiri Pandit activist Rakesh Handoo has been arrested in connection with an investigation into threat letters circulated in August that reportedly carried the names and contact details of Kashmiri Pandit employees in the Valley, triggering anxiety among government recruits and prompting hundreds to stay away from work for nearly three weeks.

Handoo was arrested by a Baramulla Police team in Faridabad, Haryana, on October 17 over his alleged involvement in the threats. Police have booked him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and cyber-related charges.

Inspector General of Police Sujit Kumar said police had gathered “substantial and serious clues” regarding Handoo’s alleged involvement. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.

The threat episode had caused concern among employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s special employment package for Kashmiri Pandits. Hundreds were placed on administrative leave and asked to stay away from their duties for almost three weeks amid security concerns.

The investigation is also taking place against the backdrop of security measures following threats and targeted attacks on migrant workers during July and August. Authorities had launched a major crackdown during which more than 3,000 people were arrested as suspected overground workers (OGWs), a term used for individuals alleged to provide covert support to militants.

According to the grounds of arrest served on Handoo’s wife on October 17, the case involves a non-bailable offence.

Police registered an FIR on September 21 and asked Handoo to appear before them in Baramulla on September 26. Sources cited in the account said he did not appear despite repeated summons.

Handoo has been active in Kashmiri Pandit affairs and unsuccessfully contested the 2008 Assembly election against National Conference president Farooq Abdullah from Hazratbal.

The circumstances surrounding the threats and the extent of Handoo’s alleged involvement remain under investigation.

Who says these words behind the veil?
Who calls to share this grace and joy?
Love arrives from all sides every moment
and tells new stories each time.

There are no goodbyes, no treachery for those
whose hearts yearn for thy mercy and kindness.

Load up. Say no to this dusty place.
Another world awaits and rides at the head of us.

Giving up the soul is the main business of this caravan
with the chosen one leading.
Be humble. Be cautious and careful.
Don't look for justice here in the jungle
where your animal soul gives you bad advice.

Pour out enough wine so that you stop talking.
You are a lover, and love is a tavern
where no one makes much sense.

Be silent, my friend. Seek your beloved.
And find the great treasure in this silence.
When the tongue becomes a chatterbox,
It is useless to listen to the inner voice of the friend.

Even if you put words as diamonds,
and hold the kingdom as vast as Solomon's—
they become pointless.

Live in this love-ocean, the total marriage of souls,
and in the death-union.
Dissolve in friendship like two drunkards fighting.

When the inner voice of the friend is heard,
It becomes the golden ladder—
reaching unto the beloved.
Breathe. Break these iron chains.
You're forever free. Escape.

About the Author: Irfan Alam is a writer and poet from Jammu and Kashmir, India. A postgraduate in English Literature, he currently works as a teacher at a local high school. Fascinated by poetry since childhood, he has nurtured a deep appreciation for its expressive power. For him, poetry is a means of exploring profound ideas, expressing innermost thoughts, and giving voice to the dynamic dimensions of human experience.

صدا اس کرسی کو طاقت نہ مانو
قائم و دائم ، وراثت نه مانو

وقت نے تمہیں جو حاکم بنایا
اس کو تم اپنی کرامت نہ مانو

انساں کو انساں نہ جانو اگر تم
اسے تم ، اچھی خصلت نہ مانو

مانا کہ، ہر سو ظلم و جبر ہے
اس بے بسی کو شرافت نہ مانو

کبھی ایسا دن نہ آے ریاض
کسی کی عزت کو عزت نہ مانو

مصنف: ریاض احمد، جو ’ریاض ملک‘ کے قلمی نام سے جانے جاتے ہیں، جموں و کشمیر کے ضلع راجوری کی تحصیل بدھل کے علاقے راج نگر سے تعلق رکھتے ہیں۔ وہ کثیر لسانی صلاحیت کے حامل ہیں اور اردو، ہندی، کشمیری، پہاڑی، گوجری اور بدھلی جیسی کئی علاقائی زبانوں اور مقامی بولیوں سے واقف ہیں۔ وہ اس وقت اتر پردیش کی لکھنؤ یونیورسٹی سے انگریزی میں پی ایچ ڈی کر رہے ہیں۔