JAMMU : The stand off between Coordination Committee and BJP continued as the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir today observed complete shutdown on the sixth consecutive day over All India Institute of Medical Sciences issue amid protests here.
The three-day bandh call till August 5 was extended by the Committee on AIIMS issue supported by various organisations including traders and transporters.
Shouting anti-BJP slogans, the CC members staged protests. Section 144, meanwhile, remained in force in the municipal limits in view of prevailing situation.
BJP MLA Satpal Sharma had verbal spat with the members of the Committee in New Plot area when he was appealing people to open their shops. Police however, timely intervened and pacified the situation.
Demanding separate AIIMS for Jammu, people completely observed bandh while all business establishments were shut.
Commercial vehicles remained off the roads and schools, colleges witnessed thin attendances. Some of the private offices and banks also remained closed.
The CC had rejected the Centre’s proposal of AIIMS like facilities for Jammu hospital and sought full-fledged institution. Protests, meanwhile, also broke out in various parts of the district. Reports from Udhampur, Samba and Kathua said total peaceful bandh was observed in the support. Commuters especially the pilgrims and tourists suffered a lot due to the strike while the CC has also pressed nearly four buses into service to avoid inconvenience to the pilgrims.
ACC chairman and president Bar Association of Jammu, Abhinav Sharma last evening said Section 144 has been imposed to fizzle out the movement. “BJP and police are trying to curb the agitation but our fight for AIIMS will continue,” Mr Sharma said.
He said invites have been extended for dialogue by the BJP to resolve the crisis but nothing less than talks with national leadership will acceptable unless invited in black and white.
Meanwhile, dialogue between BJP ministers and ACC members is in progress to end the stalemate.
(AGENCIES)
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