The District Magistrate of Jammu had ordered major telecom operators to put internet services of both mobile and landline on hold due to the tense situation in the region. The DM sent a circular asking telecom operators like BSNL, Airtel, Aircel among many others to keep internet services on hold until further instructions.
A 24 year old man was killed and at least six were injured on Thursday after violence broke out in Jammu and Kashmir between the police and Sikh protesters over removal of Khalistan leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s posters from the Sikh-dominated area of Ranibagh.
Jagjit Singh, who died during the clash, had reportedly blocked the Jammu-RS Pura road because of which then police fired in air to disperse Sikh protesters.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed expressed sorrow over the loss of a human life, and reportedly said that while it was the responsibility of the police to maintain law and order, standard operating procedure (SOP) should be strictly adhered to avoid such tragedies.
According to reports, four of the injured people have been identified as Inderjeet Singh, Harmeet Singh, police constable Rakesh Kumar, and SPO Manjeet Singh.
Following the outburst, curfew was imposed in Ranibagh and its surrounding areas, on the outskirts of Jammu city. Jammu divisional commissioner Pawan Kotwal was reported saying that Section 144, restricting movement of people, has been imposed as a precautionary measure.
Three cops were recently injured on Tuesday when a mob allegedly attacked them with kirpans for removing the posters about a tribute programme which was being held for Bhindranwale to commemorate his death anniversary on June 6. The organizers of the programme reportedly took to the streets demanding an apology for “hurting Sikh sentiments” from the Ranibagh police which falls under the jurisdiction of Sawatri police station.