Nine detained in Bhaderwah, curfew relaxed in Kishtwar

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, June 14

Nine persons were on Tuesday detained in Bhaderwah, a town in Doda district witnessing tension for the past many days over hate speech. In Kishtwar, the administration relaxed curfew for five hours from 1.30 pm. A day before, Kishtwar residents had got relaxation for one-and-a-half hour from 6 pm to 7.30 pm.

The nine persons who have been detained were part of a group that had protested while raising “provocative” slogans in the town a few days back. The police had already arrested Aadil Gafoor Ganai who had delivered the hate speech from a mosque against a particular community after which curfew had to be imposed in Doda and Kishtwar on Thursday.

While the administration had lifted restrictions from the entire Doda district, curfew continued in Bhaderwah town. Doda Deputy Commissioner Vikas Sharma and SSP Abdul Qayoom are holding regular meetings to discuss the situation in the district. They are also in contact with the higher authorities of the Union Territory. Officials of the Home Ministry are also monitoring the situation.

Sources informed that some relaxations in movement may be extended in Bhaderwah by tomorrow as the law and order situation at present is under control.

Tension had started in Bhaderwah over social media posts by some people regarding former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s comments on Prophet Mohammad.

On Sunday, the police had arrested a person for allegedly delivering an inflammatory speech at a mosque.

Shops and business establishments in Kishtwar opened soon after the relaxation was announced. People were seen thronging markets and buying essential commodities, officials said. They said broadband and mobile internet services continue to remain suspended as a precautionary measure in both Bhaderwah and Kishtwar.