Jammu observes total bandh to protest Samba fidayeen attack

Jammu, May 12 (UNI) A complete shut down was observed in this 'City of Temples' today as a strong protest against the attack by Pakistan-sponsored fidayeens at Samba yesterday.

Responding to the bandh call given by the political parties, including National Conference, Congress and BJP, all the markets and business establishments remained closed for the day.

Government offices and schools also witnessed thin turnout as public vehicle also remained off the roads. Long queues of people were seen walking on both sides of city roads.

Several protest marches were taken out by political parties and student groups in the city and Jammu University campus.

Amid anti-government slogans, various political groups demonstrated on the roads and lodged protest against the fidayeen attack in the Samba district.

The shutters remained down in all the markets and bazaars of Winter Capital as activists of political parties did not allow them to open shops while vendors on the roadside also actively responded to the call for bandh.

However, entire Samba district observed complete shut down against militant attack while additional deployment of troops was made in the region to keep a check on any mishappening.

No untoward incidents have been reported as City and its outskirts observed peaceful complete bandh.

The fidayeen attack on civilian population at Samba, about 60 kms from here, received wide-spread condemnations.

At least six people, including a photojournalist, one local politician and two army jawans, were killed by militants while over dozen got wounded in the encounter in Samba district.

UNI VBH SY HT1652