Protestors attempt to block Jammu-Pathankot NH in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 7 (UNI) Defying curfew restrictions, thousands of agitators today attempted to block Jammu-Pathankot National Highway in the Gangyal area on the city outskirts, demanding the restoration of forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), official sources here said.

''Agitating protestors, including women and children, took to the streets and gathered in Gangyal area to proceed towards Kunjwani to block the busiest Jammu-Pathankot National Highway,'' official sources told UNI.

Shouting 'Bam Bam Bhole' and carrying the national flag, thousands of people flouted the curfew and took out a procession in separate groups.

Police, however, resorted to a mild lathicharge to disperse the protestors.

Meanwhile, a fraction of Kashmiri Pandit protestors also took out a massive rally at Nagrota on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway amid anti-government and anti-PDP slogans.

''Demanding restoration of land to the Shrine Board, the agitators defied curfew restrictions imposed in the entire Jammu city and came out of their houses, entering into clashes with police,'' sources said, adding at least eight protestors were injured in that.

However, state Governor N N Vohra has reached Jammu to convene a high-level meeting with police, the Army and the members of civil administration over the prevailing situation here, following the Amarnath row.

The Winter Capital today observed a complete shutdown on the 13th consecutive day, while the agitation entered its 38th day in protest against the revocation of the land transfer order.

UNI VBH GL ND1506