Neeraj Rohmetra
Jammu, Aug 21: The State Government had taken all measures at its command to prevent and control the situation in Jammu Division that had arisen in the wake of communal clashes in Kishtwar district and immediate steps were also initiated to restore confidence among the different communities.
This has been stated by the Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khandey in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam.
The State Government, in its affidavit has stated that a Commission of Inquiry under the J&K Commission of Inquiry Act, 1962, to be headed by the retired judge of the High Court would soon be set up and the formal orders are expected to be issued shortly after following the due procedure.
“The State Government is duty bound to ensure the safety of its citizens and all those, who visit the State and safeguard their property”, says the affidavit which is in possession of Excelsior.
Dwelling on the steps initiated by the State Government for maintenance of law and order in the affected areas, particularly in Kishtwar town, the Chief Secretary has said, “immediately after the incident of clashes, curfew was imposed in the district and Army was called out to assist the civil administration to control law and order situation”, adding, “an additional 10 companies and two platoons of police and Central Armed Police (CAP) were deployed in the district for maintaining law and order. In addition, five Deputy Superintendents of Police have been deployed for special duties to assist the District Police to function as Sectoral Officers for law and Order duties”.
On status of investigation into the incident, the affidavit says, “a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted, which is headed by a Superintendent of Police and the investigation is being carried out on war-footing basis”, adding, “so far 15 persons, involved in riots have been arrested. One person has been detained under the Public Safety Act, 1978. Four looted weapons have been recovered today and five persons have been arrested taking total number of arrests to 15”.
The document states that in the incidents of violence, two persons lost their lives in Kishtwar and one person at Gulabgarh, Atholi, 43 persons, including two police officers, were injured. “Incidents of arson also occurred at Kishtwar and Atholi, Paddar and 15 cases were registered, both at police station Kishtwar (10 cases) and Atholi, Paddar (5 cases), for the investigation”.
Referring to the ongoing Machail Yatra, the affidavit says, “since August 1, this year, 21,517 yatris have performed darshan and adequate arrangements have been made for safe passage of devotee to Machail and vice versa”.
The affidavit states that the State Government had taken immediate steps to bring the situation under control. “As an administrative measure, the Deputy Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police of Kishtwar were shifted immediately and new incumbents were posted with the aim to restore confidence among the different communities in district Kishtwar”.
While dwelling on other steps taken by the State Government to control the situation, the affidavit states, “ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lacs is being paid to Next of Kin (NoK) of the deceased persons, who have lost their lives in the unfortunate incident. A Government order, bearing no. 351-Home of 2013 dated 18.08.2013 has been issued. Further, relief to the injured persons shall be paid as per the provisions of the Government Order no. 723-GAD of 1990 dated 10.07.1990, as amended from time to time, after proper verification by the concerned authorities to determine the quantum of relief”.
“Similarly, damages to the immovable property are also being assessed and verified by the Revenue authorities and for this purpose, an amount of Rs 5 crores have been placed at the disposal of the Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Department. The modalities for the payment of relief in such cases are being worked out by involving the concerned Departments — the General Administration Department (GAD), Home Department, Finance Department and Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Department, which will not be limited to Rs 2 lacs, if actual damage has occurred. Immediately after the receipt of the report from the concerned authorities, relief shall be disbursed”.
Earlier, on August 13, the Apex Court had instructed the Jammu and Kashmir Government to file a detailed affidavit dwelling on circumstances that led to communal clashes in Kishtwar and thereafter steps initiated by the State Government to control the situation.
The Court had also directed the State Government to initiate all required steps for helping the pilgrims stranded due to eruption of violence in the area as well as for the safety of people residing in and around Kishtwar areas.
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