JAMMU: Indefinite curfew continued in Bhaderwah on Saturday while restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC also remained in effect in Ramban, Kishtwar and parts of Doda district in Jammu & Kashmir after a hate speech video of an individual created communal tension in the area. The twin frontier districts of Rajouri and Poonch also observed peaceful bandh.
Authorities have also snapped broadband and mobile internet services in several areas including Bhaderwah and Kishtwar towns as a precautionary measure. Sources said the district administrations were making efforts to defuse the situation by holding meetings with religious heads and prominent citizens from both communities.
The tension started on Thursday evening when some protestors in Bhaderwah entered the neighbouring Jama Masjid and later purported video clips of the inflammatory speeches went viral on social media. Doda deputy commissioner Vikas Sharma said that the situation was normal and under control, adding that efforts were on to defuse the situation by holding meetings with community elders and prominent citizens.
Talking to media persons in Bhaderwah, divisional commissioner Ramesh Kumar said, "Everything is peaceful. People are requested to maintain communal harmony. Restrictions are still there in Doda and Kishtwar. We're continuously monitoring the situation."
ADGP (Jammu zone) Mukesh Singh said, "We are meeting with public representatives to restore normalcy and some suggestions have been put forth which will be looked into." He added that directions have been issued to allow movement of students appearing in biannual class XII exams and patients and also opening of medical shops.
