Sangharsh Samiti extends Jammu bandh, agrees for talks with Vohra

Jammu, Jul 30 (UNI) Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti (SAYSS) today agreed to meet Governor N N Vohra on Amarnath land row as several rounds of high-level talks were held to find an amicable solution to the agitation that continues to paralyse life with people taking out massive protest rallies throughout Jammu region.

After holding meetings with the senior government officials, DGP Kuldeep Khuda and Principal Secretary (Home) Anil Goswami, who are camping at Jammu, and visiting three-member team of the BJP Member Parliaments and other saffron organisations, the SAYSS agreed to accept the offer of the Governor for talks.

''We have accepted the invitation for talks but nothing will be decided without examining the proposals from the administration,'' SAYSS convener Leela Karan Sharma told reporters.

Staying firm on its demand for restoration of land in south Kashmir to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), Mr Sharma said, ''we are firm with our stand and no second thought will be given to any of the proposals unless the independence of Shrine Board is restored.'' After the meeting of the SAYSS constituents this evening, it was decided to extend Jammu bandh up to August 3.

Notwithstanding strict police action, people continued to hold massive demonstrations in Jammu and other places as life remained paralysed on the seventh consecutive day.

Massive protests on Amarnath land row continued in entire Jammu region with complete shut down being observed in small towns of Samba, kathua, Reasi, Udhampur and Rajouri districts, reports said.

People at several places in the city and out skirting areas burnt tyres and put blockages on the already deserted roads connecting city, reports said.

Protest rallies are being taken out in the city as well as rural areas in response to the ongoing agitation.

Torch rallies throughout the city during night hours have become a daily feature to lodge protest against the government for revoking the order diversion of land to the SASB.

Protesters also continued with damaging electronic electricity meters installed in the houses and other establishments in the city.

Stone pelting by protesters and tear gas shelling by police in relatiation were reported from some places in the city and out skirting areas.

There has been no let up in the agitation since its upsurge after a protester allegedly committed suicide on Amarnath land row on July 23, and subsequent ''police brutality''.

Police had imposed curfew in Jammu district to meet the situation but people defied restrictions and entered into violent clashes with police and para military forces.

In an unexpected approach towards the ongoing agitation in Jammu, police Saturday entered into the residences of people, pelted stones on their houses and damaged private vehicles at Muthi in Domana police station area.

Several people, including children and leaders of various political parties spearheading agitation under the banner of the SAYSS, were arrested by police. Later, the administration lifted curfew yesterday.

The Jammu and Kashmir Oil and Petroleum Tankers Association has also decided to discontinue the supply of petroleum products to the Valley till July 31, he informed.

The leaders said the agitation would continue till their demands of restoration of land to the SASB and removal of Governor N N Vohra were met.

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