Kishtwar remains under curfew

Ranjit Thakur

Doda, September 26

Curfew remained imposed in the mountainous town of Kishtwar for the second consecutive day today even as there was no report of any untoward incident throughout the day.

The curfew was imposed on Sunday following the arrests of local Hurriyat leaders Abdul Qayoom Mattoo, Saifuddin Bhagwan and Firdous Bhagwan in midnight raids. The arrests led to protests with people throwing stones at the police.

Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Ghulam Nabi Balwan said, “The curfew was imposed in the town as a precautionary measure as some miscreants tried to disturb the peaceful atmosphere after the police arrested some people. Last night, another person Raju Kelam 

was arrested.”

“We are completely aware about the situation in the town and the administration is fully prepared to provide every possible help to the students, hospital staff and attendants. We have made security arrangements for students who have their exams in college and schools. We gave a two-hour curfew relaxation which could be extended according to the situation,” he said.

“The curfew, especially during night, will continue until the situation completely normalises in the town,” he added.

In Doda, the majority community observed a partial bandh today over the Kashmir unrest and arrests in Kishtwar.

Shops remained open throughout the day in Tondwa, Nagri, Bharath Road, Bun-Doda and Dessa Road of the town whereas business establishments of the majority community remained partially shut near the old bus stand and Nehru Chowk.

Schools, colleges, banks and government offices remained open and worked normally. Private and passenger vehicles plyed normally throughout the day. The administration had made security arrangements to avert any untoward incident.