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Death of Amarnath protester sparks protests in Jammu

Jammu: Death of a thirty-two-year-old protester who was sitting on hunger strike in support of the demand for restoration of land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) triggered off a fresh wave of protests here thus leading to tension in the city.

Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Talab Tillo who was sitting on a hunger strike was brought dead to the Government Medical College this evening.

“The man has possibly consumed some poisonous substance and committed suicide. But as of now post mortem report is still awaited,” Station House Officer, J&K Police Kewal Krishan told The Hindu onWednesday evening. The police officer, who is the case in-charge, added the man has left a note which was in the possession of police. Before his death, Kuldip made an emotional speech in support of the demand for restoration of land to the Shrine Board.

Perceptible tension prevailed in the city as the activists of the Sangarsh committee -- a group formed to protest against the restoration of land -- refused to handover the body to the police. The body was lying opposite Brahman Sabha in the Parade area till late evening as attempts to pacify the agitated Sangarsh committee activists continued.

Soon after the news of the death spread wide and fast, youths took the streets and shopkeepers were asked to bring their shutters down. Tyres were burnt blocking the main routes of the city. There were noisy demonstrations against the Governor.

As a precautionary step, police personnel have been deployed all across Jammu city. Hundreds of Shiv Sena and BJP activists marched on the city roads. A bandh call has been given for Thursday.

Jammu had been tense ever since the State Government rescinded its original order to handover the 40 hectares of forestland at Baltal to the Shrine Board. This triggered off violent protests in several parts of Jammu forcing the authorities to impose a week-long curfew in several parts of Jammu.

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Death of Amarnath protester sparks protests in Jammu

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