Date:03/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/03/stories/2008080358280100.htm

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Curfew continues in Jammu, parties appeal for peace

Luv Puri

Widespread protests over the Amarnath land allocation issue continue

— Photo: AP

Unrest: Protesters stage a demonstration defying the curfew order in Jammu on Saturday.

JAMMU: A day after large-scale violent protests rocked Jammu, curfew continued in the city on Saturday and the Army carried out a flag march as the situation remained tense following public outcry against the State government’s decision to cancel land diversion order to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.

Curfew orders were violated at various places during the day. Former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Shanti Devi’s house was attacked on Saturday. Army jawans reached the spot and dispersed the protesters.

Protests in various parts of the city continued even as the police cane-charged and tear-gassed the agitators. Later on, Army personnel took control of the entire city.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was also handed over to the Army. Even media persons were prevented from pursuing their duty in some areas. Two cameramen were injured in police thrashing.

Media persons sat on dharna in protest. Later the administration issued instructions that press cards would be treated as curfew passes.

Governor N.N. Vohra has proposed to reconstitute the Shrine Board and include several eminent persons of Jammu as its members. He has also proposed to establish an Advisory Committee to suggest ways and means to ensure a smooth Yatra every year.

Two former Congress MLAs of the just dissolved State Assembly — Raman Bhalla and Shyam Sharma — have openly supported the agitation to demand return of land to the Shrine Board. The Congress, the National Conference, the PDP, the CPI(M) and the J&K Panthers Party have made a joint appeal to the people to maintain peace.

Police have denied reports that two persons were killed in Samba during protests on Friday. Speaking to The Hindu from the spot, Abdul Qayoom Manhas, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Samba-Kathua range, said, “I have verified here that the two persons were killed due to a local land dispute.”

After the reported mishandling by the police of the case of Kuldip Kumar, a Sangharsh Samiti activist, who allegedly committed suicide, police personnel have borne the brunt of the public protests. Over 200 police personnel have been injured in the agitation which has already completed one month.

Uma Bharti held

The State administration as a preventive step detained former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti who arrived in the trouble-torn Jammu region on Saturday, while religious leader Sadhvi Ritambhara was sent back from the airport.