Curfew imposed, internet suspended in J&K’s Kishtwar and Bhaderwah after Communal Tension

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jun 10, 2022 | Kabir Chakraborty

Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Ashok Sharma said that a curfew was imposed around 11 p.m. Thursday in view of the likely fallout of the Bhaderwah incidents.

Digital Desk: bold"> A curfew was clamped in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district and
Bhaderwah town in the adjoining Doda district, and prohibitory orders under
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were imposed in the rest of
the Chenab Valley, including Ramban district, in view of communal tension after
the use of derogatory language by some people belonging to two communities hurt
religious sentiments on both sides.

As a precautionary measure, all
internet services were suspended in the Chenab Valley, comprising Kishtwar,
Doda, and Ramban districts.

Officials, however, said that the
situation is under control and talks are in progress with leaders of both
communities to cool down tempers.

Trouble reportedly erupted when
objectionable remarks were made against a particular community during a protest
rally by members of the majority community at Bhaderwah. The rally was
organized to demand the arrest of people, including a Bharatiya Janata Yuva
Morcha leader, for their alleged Facebook posts extending support to suspended
BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her remarks against Prophet Muhammad and his
wife. The Kishtwar police registered an FIR on the matter and set up a special
investigation team to investigate the case.

Hearing about the derogatory remarks,
a person from the Khakhal area in Bhaderwah town allegedly posted a photograph
of the Prophet and his wife along with his comments. Screenshots of this post
spread like wildfire in Bhaderwah town, with members of the majority community
coming out on the streets demanding the arrest of the person behind the social
media post. This prompted a demonstration by members of the minority community
in Bhaderwah.

Sensing trouble, the administration
deployed reinforcements of police and Central Armed Police Forces and imposed a
curfew in the town.

However, protests led by
Anjuman-e-Islamia inside the premises of Bhaderwah Jama Masjid continued, with
protesters saying authorities had time till Saturday morning to arrest the
accused.

Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Ashok
Sharma said that a curfew was imposed around 11 p.m. Thursday in view of the
likely fallout of the Bhaderwah incidents.

Doda
Deputy Commissioner Vikas Sharma said that except for the curfew in Bhaderwah
town, prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC banning the assembly of four or
more people at any public place were in force in the rest of the district.

In the Ramban district too, Section
144 CrPC was imposed. In Batote town, police vehicles were seen moving around,
asking shopkeepers to lower their shutters.

The situation was tense and the
authorities did not want to take chances in view of Anjuman-e-Islamia having
already given a call for protests after Friday prayers.

Earlier, police had registered a case
against some unknown persons for an alleged incident of demolishment at a
temple near Kailash Kund in Bhaderwah.