Jammu/Doda, July 18: Authorities imposed curfew in Ramban township following a violent protest against the killing of 4 persons in Gool area. The entire Chenab valley region witnessed protests and shutdown forcing the state government to put police on high alert fearing more protests. "We imposed curfew in Ramban district as a precautionary measure at around 5.30 PM today", District Development Commissioner Ramban said. Curfew will be strictly enforced, he said adding that the situation was being closely monitored by the civil and police administration. Earlier in the day, people in the township took to streets immediately after the reports of BSF firing in Gool spread in the area. Hundreds of youth resorted to protest demonstration and stormed office of Deputy Commissioner at Maitra. “As the DC and officials had abandoned the office, the protesters went on rampage and set around three vehicles, parked in the complex, on fire”, eyewitnesses said adding “the protesters also ransacked the office and broke window screens of the building”. The protesters later staged a sit-inon Jammu-Srinagar highway raising anti-government and pro-freedom slogans. Similar protests were also held in Banihal township where the people came on roads and staged a demonstration on the highway. The protesters threatened not to permit any vehicular movement till the BSF personnel, involved in Gool carnage, are arrested. Authorities were forced to close the highway and suspended movement of Amarnath pilgrims as precautionary measure. It was learnt that for precautionary measures all Jammu-bound vehicles have been stopped at Qazigund. They said traffic will be allowed only when the situation becomes normal and a green signal is received from traffic and police officials present in the area. Similar protest demonstrations were held across Jammu region, including the winter capital of State. Large number of people assembled at Khatinka Talab area and staged anti-BSF protest demonstration. As the news of Gool firing incidentspread, shopkeepers downed their shutters in Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, Thatri and Changa area. Hundreds of youth gathered at Jamia Masjid Doda from where they took out a protest demonstration. Amid heavy security deployment, the protesters marched through the markets of the town shouting pro-freedom slogans. Youth also held a protest demonstration at Kishtwar and Bhaderwah townships, but there was no untoward incident reported. Rajouri township and its outskirtsalso witnessed similar protest demonstrations. Meanwhile, complete shutdown call for Fridayhas been given by various Muslim and separatist organizations across Jammu region. Fearing more protests, police across the region has been put on high alert. However, government has made it clear that police and para-military personnel shall observe maximum restrain while dealing with any possible law andorder situation.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 05:04:12 +0000
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