J&K: Braid chopping incident triggers unrest, cops on alert

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Barmulla: Following a number of mysterious braid chopping incidents in Jammu and Kashmir the separatists planned protests in the valley which led to the suspension of internet services for at least six hours on Friday.

However, later in the day, the internet services were restored in Srinagar and Budgam.

As per reports, random people are being identified as braid choppers and attacked by the mob.

J&K: Internet restored in Srinagar & Budgam; services were suspended today due to separatists' plan of protests on braid chopping incidents. — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2017

Police, investigating the braid-chopping incidents, fear that it could incite violence and anti-India protests.

Earlier on Sunday, the state Police doubled the bounty to Rs 6 lakhs for providing any information about the mysterious braid chopping incidents that has gripped the Valley.

The police had also formed a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to investigate the incidents.

Last week, clashes erupted in Anantnag district after reports of braid chopping incidents in the adjoining Kulgam district.

Several girls and women complained of their braid being chopped off. They claim that someone uses a spray to make them unconscious and later cuts of their braided hair.

Hundreds of women across the north Indian belt have complained about their braids being mysteriously chopped off. Nearly 50 incidents of braid-chopping instances have been reported from Jammu and Kashmir alone.