Uneasy calm in Rajouri amid curfew
• Protests spread to Budhal, Kotranka; markets remain shut
• Muslims demand release of arrested youth
Uneasy calm prevailed in Rajouri where strict curfew-like restrictions remained in force for second consecutive day on Wednesday without any relaxation. However, the protests have spread to adjoining areas and Muslims are demanding release of the arrested youth.
The Rajouri town has been on boil after Muslims protested against burning of Islamic State flag bearing Quranic verses by rightwing VHP activists. The Muslims have been demanding action against the VHP activists, who burnt the flag.After tension and clashes in Rajouri, authorities imposed curfew in the township yesterday and sought army’s help in maintaining law and order.
Eyewitnesses said the curfew-like restrictions remained in force in Rajouri for second consecutive day and security men were patrolling the sensitive areas.
They said no relaxation was given in the curfew restrictions today. “There was no protest in the town today”.
The demonstrations were taken out in Kotranka and Budhal areas, where hundreds of people participated in anti-VHP and anti-BJP protests.
The protests were shouting anti-police slogans and accused police of harassing and arresting Muslim youth.
“Police have arrested only Muslim youth and no VHP activist was arrested despite the fact that they provoked the sentiments of the community leading to protests,” an elderly protestor said.
Another protestor said police and government have been working on RSS agenda. “They have no concern over the demand of the Muslim community”.
The policemen baton charged protesters following which clashes took place.
The markets remained closed in the border areas and tension prevailed.
The Hindu community members also staged protests in Sunderbani (Poonch) and Nowshera to protest against the stone pelting incidents and demand arrest of the stone pelters.
Meanwhile, internet services in Rajouri have been shut by authorities since yesterday.
Police have arrested about 18 youths allegedly involved in stone pelting and the raids were going on.
The Muslim leaders have demanded immediate and unconditional release of all the youth of the community.
A senior police officer said situation improved today and they were contemplating to relax curfew restrictions.
“Both Hindu and Muslim leaders held a meeting to sort out the issues amicably,” he said adding army has been sent back to barracks following improvement in situation and police has taken the charge.
