Pro-Azadi slogans during protest at Mendhar
* Police lathi-charge at Kotranka
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 31: The bandh call given by some organisations in Rajouri and Poonch on the second consecutive day, seeking continuation of Art 35-A in the J&K state evoked mixed response as Rajouri, Poonch towns observed partial bandh while pro-Azadi slogans were again raised by some miscreants in Mendhar town, whereas, police resorted to lathi-charge on some violent youth at Kotranka town this afternoon.
The township of Rajouri observed partial bandh as only one community joined protest in support of Art 35-A. More than 70 % shops and other business establishments remained opened. After Friday prayers, a large number of members from majority community took out protest march on the roads. The Administration had deployed additional police force to control the situation.
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There was no impact of bandh call at Sunderbani, Nowshera and Kalakote towns of Rajouri while Budhal, Kotranka, Darhal and Thannamandi towns observed near total bandh. The protests were also held at these towns after prayers in the local mosques.
At Kotranka when people came to know that Supreme Court has adjourned case on Art 35 up to January, next year, the BJP and PDP activists started asking people to open their shops. Some youth from NC and Congress allegedly objected to it and had minor clash. The police resorted to lathi-charge on some violent youth. Two of them sustained minor injuries.
Later, these people moved to the Kotranka Police Station and started protest dharna, raising slogans against police. They were demanding action against SHO.
In Mendhar town of Poonch, some youth again raised pro-Azadi and anti-India slogans during protest march. While no body has been arrested by local police in connection with raising of such slogans on last Sunday, despite registration of an FIR at mendhar Police Station, over 50-60 miscreants again raised pro-Azadi slogans first near Horticulture office and then near Hanuman Mandir. Despite presence of Police parties in the area during protest, no action was taken against the miscreants. Many videos of protest and slogans also went viral in the social media after this incident but Police said that they were holding inquiry into the matter.
Sub Divisional Magistrate, Mendhar Dr Tanveer Ahmed when contacted said, ” Some miscreants from outside have again tried to disturb peace in the town by raising such slogans. I have directed SHO Mendhar to take cognizance of it and immediately arrest all those involved in such act.”
Poonch town also witnessed partial bandh over Art 35-A today. Except Haji Market entire Poonch town was almost opened. Members of majority community also took out a peaceful protest march in the town after Friday prayers. Most of the Government schools also remained closed.
Surankote and Mandi towns also observed bandh today but the shops were opened in the afternoon. Reports of protests after prayers were also received from these towns.
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