Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Mar 6: While indefinite bandh continued in the township of Nowshera on the 19th consecutive day today for seeking district status, ten more members of Joint Action Committee sat on relay hunger strike today, whereas, Sunderbani and Kalakote towns of district Rajouri also observed bandh in support of their demand of Additional Deputy Commissioner’s posts.
A large number of people held protest at Nowshera and Sunderbani towns today in support of their demand. At Nowshera town people, under the banner of Joint Action Committee, comprising members from various political parties, Beopar Mandal, Bar Association, Sanatan Dharam Sabha and some other social and youth organizations took out protest rally in the main market. They were shouting slogans against BJP-PDP Government, BJP Ministers/ legislators and also in support of their demand of seeking full fledged district for Nowshera.
Today 10 JAC members sat on relay hunger strike at Nowshera town at the dharna site. In the evening the condition of one Ravinder Singh deteriorated. He was shifted to Sub District Hospital, Nowshera.
Several local leaders addressed the gathering at the venue and criticized the BJP leadership and State Government for its negative attitude. Several small towns of the area like, Jhangar, Qila Darhal, Kalsian, Bhawani, Lamberi etc are also observing bandh.
Meanwhile, people at Sunderbani town organized a grand protest rally in which women and children also participated. The rally after passing through main bazaar and main chowk was culminated at SDM’s office. The town observed complete bandh and the offices were also forcibly closed by the people. The people shouted slogans against BJP-PDP Govt. The JAC has decided to extend their agitation up to March 10. Several local leaders also addressed the gathering.
Sunderbani JAC convener, Ashwani Sharma said that BJP leadership has totally failed to resolve the issue and they have surrendered before PDP. He said Sunderbani bandh has been extended up to March 10.
Meanwhile, Kalakote town also observed bandh on the third day seeking ADC’s post. Entire market remained closed in the town while vehicles plied on the roads normally. The Kalakote JAC has also warned to intensify the agitation. They have also launched protest dharna in the main market.