Govt probing twin acts of desecration, 2 more held, 14 in preventive custody

The state government on Friday said it was investigating whether there was any conspiracy to disturb the peace in the state after the twin incidents of desecration of temples in Jammu.
“The government is looking into the incidents and will investigate whether any conspiracy is there to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the state,” Minister for Law, Abdul Haq Khan told the Legislative Council after BJP, Congress and Peoples Democratic Party legislators from Jammu asked the government to make a statement on the two incidents of sacrilege.
“The investigations in both cases are on. Action has already been taken in yesterday’s incident,” he said, adding that the government would not let off anyone.
“I want to assure this House that as soon as we get to the bottom of the investigation, we will not let off anyone. We will not let anyone vitiate the peaceful atmosphere, be it in Jammu or Ladakh or Kashmir,” he said.
Earlier as soon as the Upper House proceedings began, BJP member Vibodh Gupta raised the issue of desecration of temples in Jammu. “It seems there is a conspiracy,” Gupta said.
Another BJP MLC alleged that it appeared as if “some agency or politician is behind the incidents”.
Meanwhile, National Conference and Congress legislators today staged a walkout from the Council in protest against the government, accusing coalition ministers of showing “impatience” in the House.
The opposition members walked out after Congress MLC Ghulam Nabi Monga sought a clarification from Industries and Commerce Minister Chander Prakash Ganga over the new industrial policy. Though Ganga responded, Monga was not satisfied. Later, J&K Education Minister Naeem Akhtar intervened and said the relevant sections of the policy had been put on hold.
“You always indulge in commentary here,” Akhtar told Congress MLC Monga. This comment of the Minister was objected to by Monga and he along with three National Conference members staged a walkout. They, however, returned after some time.
Meanwhile police have arrested two more accused involved in the desecration incident at Lord Shiva temple on Thursday. One person was arrested yesterday and booked under the Public Safety Act. Barring a few protests, a peaceful day was observed in Jammu today.
The district administration and police came into action after two incidents of desecration of temples in Jammu within 48 hours. The police today arrested two more persons who were in contact with the main accused in the Nanak Nagar incident. Fourteen others have also been taken into preventive custody.
Senior Superintendent of Police Sunil Gupta said, “We have arrested two more accused, who were in touch with the main accused of the Nanak Nagar incident. About 14 others have also been taken into preventive custody.”
Meanwhile, situation remained peaceful in the city although protests were organised at several places with people demanding proper investigation to unveil the truth.
Taking preventive measures after the sacrilegious act at Nanak Nagar on Thursday, administration had also snapped broadband services in Jammu, which was restored in the morning.
“It was a peaceful day. Some protests were lodged but in a peaceful manner,” said Deputy Commissioner Simrandeep Singh.