Jammu curfew lifted, many injured in fresh violence

The situation on Friday spiralled out of control when protestors gathered in front of the Police Control Room (PCR) and proceeded to smash the window panes of a bus parked there, before torching another one nearby.

Even as the fire brigade reached the spot, the protestors continued to pelt stones at the police and CRPF, who retaliated with lathi charge and firing tear gas shells. Clashes continued in the old city markets as well, with rioters burning tyres and effigies of Kashmiri leaders and the JK Police.

More than a dozen people were injured during agitation, and according to the BJP press secretary, police detained more than 50 activists.

Asked whether curfew will be imposed again, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey said that it might be necessary if the situation remains volatile.

Already incensed over Kuldeep’s death, pro-Amarnath agitators were furious that attempts were made to cremate his body at night, since this is against Hindu traditions.

The Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti is now demanding a judicial inquiry into the incident.

Meanwhile, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced Rs 2 lakh as monetary assistance to Kuldeep Kumar Dogra’s next of kin. Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Dr M K Bhandari added that a job has also been assured to Kuldeep’s wife and that the Government is planning to cover the education of his two children under appropriate welfare schemes.