Curfew remains in force in Kishtwar district

Curfew remained in force in Kishtwar district today, 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”, Jammu Region Divisional Commissioner Shantmanu told PTI.

Clashes between two communities had left two persons dead and at least 20 injured in the district yesterday following which the Army was called in to assist the local administration in maintaining law and order.

Trouble in Kishtwar district, 226 km 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 that the 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.

The 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 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.

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