Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 4: Expressing deep sorrow and anguish over the loss of a precious human life during protests by the members of the Sikh community in Jammu today, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said that while it is the responsibility of the police to maintain law and order, but at the same time Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) should be strictly adhered to avoid such tragedies during public protests.
Mufti Sayeed said the Government headed by him has right from the beginning maintained that the police and other security forces should exercise maximum restraint while dealing with public protests to avoid causing any physical harm to civilians.
Conveying his heartfelt sympathies to the family of the deceased youth Jagjit Singh, the Chief Minister prayed for peace to the departed soul. He also expressed solidarity with the policemen injured in the incident.
The Chief Minister appealed all sections of the society to maintain calm and avoid indulging in any provocative actions, aimed at disturbing peace and tranquility in the region. He appealed general public to remain vigilant and defeat the designs of elements who are trying to fuel violence and communal tension.
He said the Government would take all possible measures to ensure that peace is maintained in Jammu region.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh and Speaker Legislative Assembly Kavinder Gupta have also appealed to the general public to maintain peace, communal harmony and brotherhood in the State and not to fall prey to the nefarious designs of some antinational and mischievous elements in the Society.
Former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, has tweeted: My heartfelt condolences to the family of the young man killed in police firing in Jammu. May his soul rest in peace”.
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of State BJP executive was held under chairmanship of State President and MP Jugal Kishore Sharma to take stock of situation.
It was noted that the situation could have been averted by timely and better administration. The incident of firing by police is unfortunate and needs detailed magisterial enquiry to be held in the matter to indicate circumstances leading to unfortunate incident and the persons involved in it so that strict action under law can be taken against them.
BJP has requested all communities to maintain peace and communal harmony at this crucial moment to live by example of brotherhood for which Jammu is known.
Former Minister, Raman Bhalla has also expressed concern over the incident and appealed all the communities to maintain peace and brotherhood to defeat the designs of forces inimical to peace.
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