Curfew relaxed, bandh ''halts'' life in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 11 (UNI) Despite a day-long relaxation of the curfew, life in Jammu has come to a ''standstill'' as the bandh today entered 19th consecutive day, demanding restoration of land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

The administration announced relaxation of the curfew from 0500 hrs to 1700 hrs in the Jammu city, but the shutters remained down as Jammu observed a complete bandh supporting the ongoing agitation demanding the revocation of land transfer order.

''The Jammu bandh call has been extended till August 14 by the Sangharsh Samiti, who is spearheading the agitation,'' a member of the Samiti told UNI, adding that people have supported the Samiti in intensifying the movement as it was against the years-long discrimination with the Jammu region as compared to the valley.

However, shops remained closed and no commercial vehicles were plying on the road while the banks and filling stations observed heavy rush of commuters.

Meanwhile, the curfew has also been lifted in Kathua, Poonch and Doda districts as there were no reports of protests, besides peaceful rallies.

The agitation in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir has entered the 41st day over the restoration of 100 acre of land to SASB.

The agitation got intensified after the death of a SASB protestor Kuldeep Verma, who allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison on July 23. The curfew was clamped in the region on August two following the tense situation.

At least eight people have been killed and several got injured, including policemen, in the clashes during the agitation.

UNI VBH GL BD1447