Curfew imposed in Bhaderwah after protests by two communities

A police vehicle moves into Bhaderwah town announcing imposition of curfew on Thursday. -Excelsior/Tilak Raj
A police vehicle moves into Bhaderwah town announcing imposition of curfew on Thursday. -Excelsior/Tilak Raj

Tension flares up following provocative remarks
Curfew in Kishtwar too, Sec 144 in Ramban

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 9: Curfew was imposed in Bhaderwah town of Doda district tonight following protests and counter protests by the two communities after provocative statements on controversial remarks by the two former BJP leaders.
Civil and police administration tonight announced imposition of curfew in Bhaderwah town as protests continued till late in the night.
“Curfew was clamped to end protests and ensure that there is no further communal tension in sensitive Bhaderwah town of Doda district,” a senior officer told the Excelsior saying the situation is well under control.
However, additional paramilitary forces have been deployed in Bhaderwah town and other sensitive areas to prevent any flare up of the situation.
“In view of prevailing law and order situation, restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC in entire town of Bhaderwah have been imposed with immediate effect till further orders,” an official order issued by Additional District Magistrate Bhaderwah Dil Mir, said.
Sources said provocative statement were made from a religious place this morning against the suspended BJP leader and a journalist. from the other side, some Instagram posts were also found to be provocative.
Initially, one community took out protest in the town to denounce provocative remarks which was followed by counter protests by the other side, leading to tension and prompting the administration to impose curfew.
Officials, however, said that situation, though tense, was well under control in Bhaderwah town and additional paramilitary forces have been deployed for strict implementation of curfew.
No untoward incident has been reported so far, he added.
Curfew was imposed in Kishtwar town and outskirts also as a precautionary measure, DC Kishtwar Ashok Sharma said.
Meanwhile, the district administration Ramban has also imposed restrictions under Section 144 CrPC under the jurisdiction of Police Sub Division Ramban tonight for maintenance of law and order and safety and security of general public.
An order to this effect was issued by District Magistrate Ramban Mussarat Islam.
He has asked the SSP Ramban to ensure implementation of the order under which public gathering of more than four people has been restricted.