Hindu families move out of Poonch villages

Three days after communal clashes broke out in Poonch, Hindu families have started moving out from the villages that were affected.

Three days after communal clashes broke out in Poonch, Hindu families have started moving out from the villages that were affected.

Sources said female members of nearly a dozen families in Bainch village have shifted to Poonch town, where they are putting up at the Dashnami akhara. Similarly, at least three families from Dalera village have shifted in with their relatives in Poonch town. Both these villages saw attacks by Muslims on shops belonging to Hindus, who are in a minority in the area, during the last three days.

During a visit to Dalera on Monday, the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Poonch assured the Hindus of adequate security arrangements, including setting up a CRPF post there. Locals told the officials that trouble began when some masked men came to the village and announced that Muslims had been killed in Poonch town and their shops looted.

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While there was no relaxation of curfew in Poonch town on the day, some protestors torched a medical shop and a two-wheeler on the outskirts at Khanetar. A police party was rushed to the area to disperse the protestors. There was tension in Surankote town as Muslims took out a procession and raised pro-Azadi slogans.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rajouri-Poonch range, Prithvi Raj Manhas said the situation was under control in Poonch. He said curfew could be relaxed on Tuesday.