Violence return to Jammu: 10 injured in police firing

The normalcy which was returning fast in Jammu and its adjoining areas after two months long agitation over the Amarnath land row, today once again got disturbed when administration prevented members of Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti (SAYSS) for organizing a function in Abhinav Theratre in Jammu. However, SAYSS activists tried to enter the premises of Abhinav Theatre while the police used force to prevent their entry into the premises of Theatre (auditorium). In the ding-dong battle and police public clash at least 10 protestors were injured in the police lathi-charge and firing in the air to disperse them.

Hundreds of supporters of the SAYSS had assembled outside the venue today to participate in a function organised to pay tributes to those killed during the two-month-long agitation. The battle between the protestors and the security forces continued for about an hour as agitators including women amid chants of Bam-Bam Bhole and Bharat Mata Ki Jai tried to enter the venue, an eyewitness added.

Besides, police, the troops of para-military forces, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed outside the venue to restrict the supporters from entering the venue.

Police however, resorted to baton-charge, fired tear gas shells and opened fire in the air to disperse the protestors, including the SAYSS Convenor, Leela Karan Sharma and his colleagues, who forcibly tried to enter the venue.

Around ten people were injured including two saints when police opened fire in air and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the agitators.

However, shouting slogans against Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, the protestors also pledged to hold the function at Abhinav Theatre.

Meanwhile the SAYSS has announced two-days complete shutdown and Chakka Jam on September 21 and 22 in protest against the state administration.