Jammu: Sikh youths clash with police over removal of Bhindrawale's poster, 1 protester killed

Jammu, Jun 4: Protest by Sikh youths turned violent here as protesters started pelting stones over police trying to stop demonstration over removal of a poster carrying the picture of militant Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale.

A protester was killed and over a dozen others, including three policemen, were injured.

Police sources said security forces had to open fire to quell a violent mob of Sikh protesters at Gadigarh, eight km from Jammu city centre.

"One person was killed in this firing incident and over a dozen others, including three policemen, were injured when a violent mob attacked the deployed security forces in Gadigarh area," a source told IANS.

The killed man was identified as Jagjit Singh, son of Narveer Singh of RS Pura.

Reports said three three injured policemen have been shifted to hospital in a critical condition after the mob attacked them.

Tension gripped the entire Jammu city after the news of police firing spread.

Earlier in the day, a group of Sikhs blocked roads and burnt tyres denouncing the removal of a poster carrying the picture of militant Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale.

Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in Satwari, Gadigarh and Digiana areas following Wednesday's incident in which a police officer was attacked by a youth for removing the Bhindrawale poster.

Tear gas used against Sikh protestors pelting stones against riot police in Jammu. pic.twitter.com/82OiH6RwZ4

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2015

Tear gas used against Sikh protesters pelting stones against riot police in Jammu. pic.twitter.com/b8q5f4sczt

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2015

Violence in Jammu as Sikh youths hurl stones on police trying to stop demonstration. pic.twitter.com/gwklkd9Q1Z

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2015

Policemen injured while trying to stop demonstration by Sikh youths in Jammu. pic.twitter.com/laPXyESmUy

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2015

The protesters blocked the Jammu-RS Pura road at Gadigarh, shouting slogans against the Jammu and Kashmir government.

Security has been tightened in neighbouring Punjab, ahead of 31st anniversary of Operation Blue Star, on June 6. Militant Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale was killed on June 6, 1984.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)