Nowshera agitation enters 17th day; bandh, protests at Sunderbani, Kalakote

People staging protest dharna in Nowshera town. -Excelsior/Bhat
People staging protest dharna in Nowshera town. -Excelsior/Bhat

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Mar 4: While indefinite bandh continued in the township of Nowshera on the 17th   consecutive day today for seeking district status, 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.  They held protest dharna at Bus Stand Nowshera today.
Several local leaders addressed the gathering at the venue. Several other small towns of the area like Jhangar, Qila Darhal, Rajal, Kalsian, Bhawani, Lamberi  etc are also observing bandh.
Nowshera JAC members including  Subhash Kapoor president Beopar Mandal and   Jagdish Sawhney -president SD Sabha said that a 15-member committee of JAC has been framed which would go to Jammu tomorrow and hold talks with Chief Secretary and other top officials.  They said from tomorrow relay hunger strike will also be started.  The members of all the political parties are one on this common issue, they maintained.
Meanwhile, people at Sunderbani town observed complete bandh  and held protest demonstration  today and shouted slogans against BJP-PDP Govt.  The JAC has decided to observe two- days’ bandh in the town.  A protest rally was taken out which after passing through main market culminated near  Tehsil office complex.
Several local leaders  also addressed the gathering  and criticized Police to register FIRs against half a dozen youth. They warned the local administration to withdraw cases registered on pick and choose basis  against these youth.
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 for two more days.
Meanwhile, Kalakote town also observed bandh on the second 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.

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