Violent protests continue in Jammu over Amarnath Shrine row

Srinagar, July 26 : Agitation in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir continues to get violent with every passing day, as police resort to baton charge and tear gas to control the mob on Saturday.

Irate mobs raised slogans and pelted stones on policemen, burnt tyres and destroyed vehicles on the streets as part of their protest against the government for revoking a decision to transfer forestland to a Hindu shrine trust in the Muslim-majority part of Kashmir.

The indefinite curfew that was imposed to control violence that erupted following suicide by a youth in the city in protest against the revocation order was lifted on Friday.

Amarnath Sangharsh committee today decided to extend its shutdown call till Sunday.

About six-seven policemen got injured while controlling the mob, police official said.

"People blocked the road and turned to violent demonstration. In order to control the situation we had to fire tear gas. About six-seven policemen have got injured while trying to control the situation," said K Rajendra Kumar, Inspector General of Police.

The Jammu and Kashmir government was forced to back down on its decision to transfer 100 acres of forest land in Kashmir to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), due to week-long protests in predominantly Muslim Kashmir valley.

During the two-month-long pilgrimage, hundreds of thousands of devout Hindus from across India trek to the cave, situated at an altitude of 3,800 metres, to pray before an ice stalagmite they believe is a symbol of Lord Shiva.

ANI