Kishtwar: Curfew was imposed in Kistwar and Army was called on after scores of people were injured and dozens of shops and business establishments damaged after clashes between two communities broke out soon after Eid prayers concluded. The clashes took place after a procession was on way back from Kishtwar to a nearby village after they offered prayers.
“Some miscreants teased the people going to offer Eid Prayers in morning. Miscreants attacked them again on their return from Eid prayers,†said eye witnesses.
They were allegedly attacked by the members of opposite community and many people got injured. The situation further flared up and many vehicles and shops were damaged. Rioters also barged into the hotel and damaged it.
Locals alleged that VDC members were the main people who had planned attack and lead the groups of people to arson.
Senior Congress leader GM Saroori who witnessed whole accident, told that district administration failed to control the further damage after delaying its action. “Police was informed about the activity of miscreants when they first teased the group of people going to offer Eid prayers. But Police showed no seriousness and didn’t act. Had it acted on time, no such huge loss could have occurred,†Saroori told.
He said that it was only after Divisional Comissioner Jammu visited area and imposed curfew that the situation to some extend came under control.
Meanwhile, separatist camp has appealed all sections of society to maintain communal harmony and observe brotherhood. “We appeal people to remain peaceful and observe brotherhood and communal harmony,†senior Hurriyat leader Shabir Ahmad Shah told news agency. He demanded that the permanent dissolution of VDCs and said: “VDC has become a terrorist group and is involved in various criminal activities including kidnapping of a minor girl recently. We are with the people of Chanab and will not leave them alone at any stagfe.†He said that he would visit the affected area once restrictions on his movement are removed.
Other separatist while condemning the incident have also castigated VDC and demanded its permanent dissolution and appealed people to maintain communal harmony.
MoS Home Sajjad Kitchloo is also in the town.
