Jammu witnesses protests during relaxation in curfew
Jammu: Protests were held Tuesday in Jammu city against the Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, even as curfew remained in force here following massive demonstrations.
Led by Jammu West Assembly Movement (JWAM) president Sunil Dimple, the activists gathered on road in New plot area of the city and held protest demonstrations.
The protesters took out a rally and raised slogans against Pakistan and militants as they carried posters denouncing that country and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the militant group which had claimed responsibility for the attack in Pulwama.
Defying curfew, the protesters took out the rally in Dogra Hall area of the city.
They said the “terror war has been started by Pakistan”, as a Major was among four soldiers and a policeman who were killed while a brigadier and DIG were among the nine security personnel injured during the gun battle in Pinglan area of Pulwama district Monday.
Dimple threatened to intensify holding intense protests as he alleged Pakistan for starting a full-fledged proxy war against India in Kashmir and across the LoC.
He appealed the Government of India to start massive cleanup operation in the entire Kashmir region.
Meanwhile, authorities relaxed curfew for two hours in the jurisdiction of three police station areas of Jammu, while it continued to remain in force in rest of the city, which had witnessed massive protests.
District Magistrate, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar ordered relaxation of curfew in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of police station Nawabad, Jammu city and Peer Mitha from 11.30 am to 01.30 pm.
However, he said restrictions under section 144 CrPC would remain imposed to maintain law and order.
All wine shops and bars would remain closed, Kumar said.
Curfew was imposed in entire Jammu city on Friday following massive anti-Pakistan protests and sporadic incidents of violence over the terror attack in Pulwama district of south Kashmir which left 40 CRPF personnel dead on Thursday.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu, M K Sinha said the decision to relax curfew in other parts of the city would be taken looking at the conditions during the two-hour relaxation.
On Monday, authorities relaxed curfew for three hours in five police station areas of south Jammu and the relaxation period passed off peacefully.
Curfew was relaxed in areas falling under police stations of Gandhi Nagar (except police post Nehru Park and Digiana), ChanniHimmat, Sainik Colony, Trikuta Nagar and Satwari (except police posts of Belicharana and Gadighat) from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm Monday.
Officials said no untoward incident was reported from anywhere since Sunday.
In another development, Jammu University announced postponement of all examinations scheduled for the day in view of the prevailing situation.
The governor discussed with advisors issues relating to effective maintenance of law
and order and directed them that no anti-social element should be allowed to disturb peace and harmony in the State.
He also directed availability of essential commodities, medicines etc. be ensured by the administration.
“All the examinations of the university of Jammu scheduled to be held on February 19 stand postponed due to unavoidable circumstances,” varsity spokesperson VinayThusoo said.
Mobile Internet services continued to remain suspended as a precautionary measure to check spread of rumours but BSNL broadband services are functioning normally. (PTI)
Press Trust of India
