The fear of backlash gripped Muslims living in Jammu after yesterday’s barbaric terror attack on Amarnath yatris in the Botengo area of Anantnag district in which seven pilgrims were killed.
They feared a backlash from fringe elements in the winter capital and surroundings, forcing them to think of returning to their homes.
Since the news of the terror attack broke out, condemnation from all parts of the state started to pour in. However, locals received phone calls from their friends and relatives to know about the current situation in the region.
“I received calls from New Delhi, Srinagar and from friends and relatives in Jammu who were concerned about themselves and their relatives. They wanted to know whether there will be any backlash from fringe elements in Jammu or not,” said a private sector employee working in Jammu.
He said his friend from south Kashmir rang him up and sought help for his aunt and cousin who were reaching Jammu this morning. “I assured him of all help and convinced him that they will be safe here,” he said.
Many other people also received calls throughout the day to know as to what was happening in the city and whether any violence had broken out or not. However, despite protest demonstrations, the situation was peaceful in Jammu and things remained under control.
Some Kashmiri Muslims left in a hush from Jammu after the attack and reached their homes in the Valley by the morning.
“I left Jammu around 11.30 pm after a few more people from Kashmir got together. We moved through the Mughal road and reached home in the morning safely,” said a Kashmiri Muslim, preferring anonymity.
However, all their apprehensions proved wrong as the people of Jammu kept calm and didn’t allow fringe elements to take over the peaceful protests. Not even a single Muslim was harmed today.
Fearing backlash, Jammu’s Muslims rush to Valley
