Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 27: After their week -long detention for breach of peace, the 26 members of Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) were released early this morning from Kathua jail, officials said.
They were arrested on August 21 at Sarore Toll Plaza where they had staged a dharna demanding suspension of Toll Plaza and were detained for violating restrictions around the TP. The authorities had imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) which forbids the gathering of four or more people in and around the TP.
The YRS president, Vikram Singh after his release from Kathua Jail said “We are thankful to people for their support and for coming on the roads for our release. Our Committee will meet shortly to decide the future course of action, he added”.
Former YRS president, Rajan Singh Happy urged people to stand united and said they will continue their fight for the rights of the people.
Soon after the release of YRS activists its members celebrated the occasion at various places including Kathua and Hiranagar and distributed sweets among the people.
At Kathua the activists of YRS and other organisations who were sitting on hunger strike called off the same on the insistence of civil society members who offered them juice.
However, the hunger strike launched by eight activists of YRS at Samba continued. The released leaders of the organization also visited the venue of hunger strike and addressed a gathering there. They said the hunger strike will continue till Toll Plaza is removed from Sarore.
Meanwhile, the protests continued at different places in Jammu on seventh day today by various political parties and social organizations demanding suspension of Sarore Toll Plaza and halt on installations of smart meters and Property Tax in Jammu region.
Congress party held a protest against the installation of smart meters and for removal of Sarore Toll Plaza at Paloura Chowk, Mohalla Sandh which was led by Rajni Bala, corporator Ward 60.
The party also held a meeting at Ward No 3 which was addressed by former Minister, Yogesh Sawhney. Various issues including installation of pre paid smart meters were discussed and they demanded that their installation be put on hold as people are already under the pressure of price hike and rising unemployment.
Another protest was held by Apni Party at Paloura against toll collection at Sarore TP and installation of Smart meters. The protest was led by OBC State president, Apni Party, Bhagat Ram.
Youth Congress led by led by vice president, Jammu East held a protest at Ward No 17 for removal of Sarore toll Plaza and imposition of Property Tax and installation of Smart meters. The protest was led by YNC president Jammu East , Ricky Dalotra.
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