Temple desecration: Protests spread to region | Internet snapped in 10 districts | One held
A day after ‘desecration’ at an ancient temple, situation remained tense in Jammu today with many parts of the region witnessing protests and complete blackout of mobile internet services in all 10 districts of the Jammu province since Tuesday evening.
The state government while ordering an inquiry into the incident claimed that situation was under control as no untoward incident had been
reported from any part from the region.
The government has suspended a police officer who had slapped a local priest of the temple, while it agreed to release 22 youths who were detained for violence on Tuesday evening. At least five vehicles, including two school buses, were torched by the angry mob following ‘desecration’ at the temple by a person from a particular community.
The day also witnessed major blockades on the Jammu-Pathankot highway in Samba and Kathua where local people held demonstrations, bringing normal traffic to a grinding halt.
According to the police, situation, barring sporadic incidents of stone-throwing, was peaceful across the region while the top police and civil officers remained busy devising strategy to defuse the tension.
“The administration and police are trying to shield the culprit by giving him a tag of lunatic. Our religious sentiments have been hurt and this will not be tolerated,” said an angry protester at Janipur area which was hotbed of protests throughout the day.
Taking preventive measures, the state administration had cut mobile internet services in all 10 districts of Jammu while ordering closure of wine shops and bars to prevent situation from flare-up.
After a meeting with civil society members, the state government claimed that situation had been brought into control. Minister for Health Bali Bhagat along with Jammu Divisional Commissioner Pawan Kotwal and Inspector General of Police (IG) Danish Rana held meeting with civil society members, including leaders from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other religious organisations. He said, “All protesters have been released and an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) has been suspended for not performing his duties professionally. The culprit has been arrested and legal action will be taken against him after proper investigation into the matter.”
