| Curfew imposed in Satwari, other localities after youth's killing in police firing | | 2 cops among 6 hurt, army stages flag march; Ashkoor gets charge of Jammu DIG | | Early Times Report
Jammu , June 4
At least half a dozen Satwari localities were today placed under indefinite curfew after police resorted to lathicharge and opened fire to disperse a violent mob, that was angered by the removal of Bhindrawale's posters by police from the area yesterday, resulting in the death of a youth and injuries to at least six others, including two police personnel.
Yesterday also, day long protests were held by the people at Satwari against the removal of Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale's posters by police. Three police personnel were wounded yesterday in the clashes, including Sub-Inspector Arun Kumar who was stabbed by a protester.
Some Sikh religious leaders had yesterday intervened and helped in restoring peace. Notwithstanding their efforts, several youth gathered near Satwari today also and raised anti-police and anti-administration slogans. Some of them also raised pro-Khalistan slogans, police sources said, quoting eyewitnesses.
Police resorted to lathicharge and fired teargas shells after the protesters, armed with sticks and kirpans, converged on Satwari-R S Pura road and blocked traffic in protest against the removal of Bhindrawale's posters put up by an organisation of the community ahead of his death anniversary on June 6.
Raising anti-police and anti-government slogans, some of them also tried to block the Jammu-Pathankot highway at Satwari. When police personnel tried to chase them away, they were stoned heavily.
When the violent protests showed no signs of receding, police resorted to lathicharge and teargas shelling to disperse the demonstrators. Six persons, including Manmeet Singh and Rakesh Kumar, both cops, were wounded in the clashes and hospitalised.
As the situation worsened further, police opened fire, allegedly resulting in the death of Jagjit Singh, son of Narveer Singh of Chohala.
After the youth's killing, the situation worsened further, forcing the district administration to put Satwari, Rani Park, Gadi Garh, Bhore Camp, Chatha and some other areas under curfew for an indefinite period. In Gole Gujaral locality, section 144 was imposed to restrict the gathering of people at one place, sources said.
Army was also called out. In the evening, army conducted a flag march in Satwari areas to keep the situation under control. Heavy contingents of police were also called in to patrol the roads and lanes in the areas that were put under curfew.
Meanwhile, DIG (traffic police) Ashkoor Wani was late tonight given the additional charge of DIG, Jammu. The post had fallen vacant after the retirement of DIG Shakil Beig on May 31 last.
People have been requested to help in maintaining law and order situation and not to give any attention to rumours. Other Jammu localities, including Nanak Nagar and Digiana, however, remained peaceful.
|
|
