JAMMU : Curfew today remained in force in Kishtwar district which witnessed violent communal clashes that left two persons dead and 20 injured.
“Curfew is on for second day in Kishtwar. After deployment of Army, the situation has normalised but tension is still there”, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Region, Shantmanu told.
Clashes between two communities had left two persons dead and at least 20 injured in district yesterday following which the Army was called in to assist the local administration in maintaining law and order.
The trouble in this district, 226 kms from here, erupted after a group of people raised anti-national slogans after Eid prayers.
“There was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the mountainous district today,” officials said, adding bandh was being observed in some parts.
Meanwhile, Baseer Ahmed Khan today took charge as Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar district after DC Mohmad Saleem and SSP Sunil Gupta were shunted out last night in the wake of the clashes.
Gupta was shifted to the DGP’s office and Sanjay Kumar Kotwal has been transferred in his place.
Jammu and Kashmir government had last night ordered a high-level inquiry into the Kishtwar clashes.
“It is hereby ordered that Jammu Divisional Commissioner Shantmanu is appointed to inquire into the incidents of violence and arson and the consequent loss of life and property that took place in Kishtwar,” General Administration Department (GAD) Secretary MA Bukhari had said in his order.
“There is no room for tolerating the culprits of this incident (Kishtwar clashes).Nobody would be allowed to go scot free,” state PHE and Irrigation Minister, Sham Lal Sharma had said.
“There is a need to conduct a probe into it… There is communal polarisation in the entire state,” he had said.
The state government had convened a meeting of prominent
citizens, leaders of political parties, social, trade and religious organisations here last night to maintain communal harmony and peace in the backdrop of the clashes in Kishtwar.
However, as the meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand started, irate members and citizens blamed government and Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo for the clash between two communities.
Kitchloo, who is the local MLA of Kishtwar, was camping in his home town for past few days.
BJP state chief Jugal Kishore Sharma charged, “Kitchloo is responsible for this incident…He is behind this incident… He should be sacked and arrested”.
On allegations against Kitchloo in this connection, Sharma said, “Nobody is above the law…The rule of law will prevail.Whosoever is responsible will be punished and we will ensure that it happens”. (AGENCIES)
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