The Hindu : National : Fresh violence as protesters defy Jammu curfew

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Tuesday, Jul 29, 2008
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Fresh violence as protesters defy Jammu curfew

Luv Puri

Jammu: Compared to the last two days, Jammu was peaceful but tense on Monday. Members of the Sangharsh Samiti defied curfew orders in some places. The samiti, a conglomeration of 35 political, social and religious outfits, has been demanding restoration of land to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.

At least 20 people, including three policemen, were injured in fresh violence as protesters defied curfew at a few places even as the city observed a shutdown.

Protesters threw stones and burnt a police vehicle at Muthi. District officials said curfew would continue in Jammu city, Muthi, Bantalab, Mishriwala, Pukhoo and Nagrota. Police resorted to lathi charge and fired teargas shells to control the mob.

Samiti chairman Leela Karan Sharma said: The agitation will continue till the land is given to the Shrine Board.”

Meanwhile, Jammu Bar Association president B.S. Salathia appealed to the samiti not to allow the agitation to be hijacked by any particular party. A group formed on the initiative of peace activist Sushobha Barve urged Governor N.N. Vohra to invite the samiti members for talks. It also called for an all-party meeting on the land issue.

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