J&K: Indefinite curfew continues in Kishtwar

Kishtwar (Jammu and Kashmir), Aug 10: An indefinite curfew continued for the second day on Saturday in communal tension-ridden Kishtwar town of Jammu region, as the district magistrate and police chief were removed in a nocturnal reshuffle by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

One person was killed and over 24 others injured in communal clashes in Kishtwar town Friday as unruly mobs fired at each other. The army was called out to stage a flag march and restore order.

The state government announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh in favour of the next of kin of the slain person, identified as Arvind Kumar.

More than 80 shops, a petrol pump, an oil tanker, some vehicles of the state police and the fire services department, in addition to government properties, were torched by mobs on Friday.

In the late-night reshuffle, Basheer Ahmad Khan has been posted as the district magistrate, and Sanjay Kotwal as the superintendent of police of Kishtwar.

Ashok Prasad, state director general of police (DGP), Suresh Kumar, commissioner (home) and P L Gupta, additional DGP (coordination) are camping in Kishtwar to supervise the restoration of law and order.

Meanwhile, the BJP and some other political parties have announced a shutdown in Jammu Saturday in protest against the clashes.

Hardline Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has also announced a Valley-wide shutdown to protest the Kishtwar clashes.

Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir

Police vehicles in flames after two groups indulged in stone-pelting and arson in Kuleed area in Kishtwar disdrict

Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kahmir

BJP members at a protest in Jammu on Friday after riots broke out in Kishtwar.

Kishtwar district Jammu and Kashmir

BJP members at a protest in Kishtwar region of Jammu on Friday after riots broke out between two groups.

Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir

A police vehicle in flames after two groups indulged in stone-pelting and arson in Kuleed area in Kishtwar district.

Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir

Police stop Bajrang Dal activists at a protest in Jammu on Friday after riots broke out in Kishtwar town.

Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir

A vehicle in flames after two groups indulged in stone-pelting and arson in Kuleed area in Kishtwar.

State Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand met prominent citizens in Jammu city on Friday, appealing for calm.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a magisterial probe into the clashes. District Commissioner, Jammu, Shant Manu has been entrusted the probe, to be completed in three weeks.

IANS