Life normal in Jammu after disturbances, internet restored

Jammu, June 18: The authorities restored internet services here on Saturday as normality returned after three days of disturbances over two incidents of desecration of temples.

"All internet services have been restored in Jammu city. These services had been suspended temporarily to prevent anti-social elements from spreading wild rumours to stoke passions," a senior police officer told IANS here.

The authorities had suspended internet services here for three days after some people reacted with violence to two incidents of desecration of temples.

Shops, public and private transport, other businesses, government offices, banks and post offices started functioning here normally on Saturday.

The authorities have arrested two persons in connection with the sacrilegious acts.

One of the arrested persons, Yasir of Doda district, was allegedly involved in vandalism of an ancient Hindu temple in Roop Nagar area of the city; he is said to be mentally challenged.

The other person, Gurbachan Singh, a dismissed constable of the state armed police, was arrested for allegedly desecrating a Hindu temple in the Nanak Nagar area of the city.

He has been booked under the harsh Public safety Act (PSA) under which a person can be detained without a judicial order for a maximum period of two years.

The PSA is commonly used against separatists, anti-social elements and smugglers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Authorities have increased surveillance around religious places in the entire Jammu province to maintain law and order.

Police patrolling around religious places has also been increased in Jammu city, the senior police officer said.

IANS