Tension in Jammu: 1 killed in police firing
Members of various Sikh organisations were protesting over the removal of Bhindrawale’s poster put up to commemorate his death anniversary yesterday.
One person was killed and over a dozen others injured during clashes between police and Sikh protestors in Satwari area of Jammu on Thursday.
Jagjit Singh (35), son of Narveer Singh of RS Pura, was killed when police opened fired at people who were protesting against removal of a poster of Sikh militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale. Around 12 persons, including SSP Jammu Uttam Chand, were injured in the clashes.
Members of various Sikh organisations were protesting over the removal of Bhindrawale’s poster put up to commemorate his death anniversary yesterday.
Panic gripped entire Jammu city after the news of police firing spread. Earlier in the day, a group of Sikhs blocked roads and burnt tyres to protest the removal of the poster.
Talking to us, SSP Uttam Chand said that when police tried to control the protesting Sikhs, they turned violent and used swords, petrol bombs, lathis and also resorted to stone pelting.
“To quell the protesters and to save police personnel from the ire of protestors, we had to open fire besides using water cannons and tear gas shells,” he said. “Yesterday the matter was resolved with the consent of MahantManjeet Singh that this hoarding shall stand removed and today some youth misinterpreted the talks with MahantJi and resorted to violent protests.”
He said that curfew has been imposed in the affected area and proper security has been put in place to avert any untoward incident.
The protesting Sikh organisations said that despite assurance by the authorities last evening, some police personnel again removed the hoarding this morning.
Army carries out flag march:
To instill confidence among the people of the area, Army carried out flag march from RS Pura to Satwari in the evening.
“On the request of district administration, army carried out flag march from RS Pura to Satwari to instill confidence among the people of the area in the back drop of the prevailing unrest,” said Defence PRO, Lt Col Manish Mehta.
