Differences among forces dealing with protesters in Jammu

Jammu, Jul 27 (UNI) Differences have surfaced between the paramilitary forces and the state police while dealing with protesters in curfew-hit Jammu city.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) virtually stood aside during the police-public clashes in the Old City, reportedly because they were not given the required Magisterial orders in writing.

The paramilitary forces, which dispersed the mob in the morning, showed reluctance in entering the narrow streets of the Old City after they were not provided assistance bylocal police personnel.

''CRPF and RAF personnel remained at the spot but stood sideways as protesters pelted stones from the roofs of buildings in the city,'' a UNI Correspondent reported from the spot.

The State police fired rubber bullets on protesters to disperse them but the order for the same was not given to the paramilitary forces by the concerned Magistrate, who reached the spot at around 1300 hrs, AN official said.

''The paramilitary forces stressed for the written orders to fire rubber bullets and tear gas shells after one RAF jawan was injured but the Magistrate refused,'' the official said.

The paramilitary troops alleged that they were being put in front without having orders.

When contacted, District Commissioner of Jammu Mandeep K Bhandari said, ''No such report has come to me. I will have to check it out.'' Enraged after police ''disrespectfully'' shifted the body of Kuldeep Dogra, who killed himself on the Amarnath land row, the protesters were raising anti-Jammu and Kashmir Police slogans and challenging policemen.

UNI VBH/VJ SW VC1945