Organisers of pro-Palestine rally booked in Budgam

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday registered a case against the organisers and participants of a procession in central Kashmir’s Budgam district for allegedly creating a law-and-order situation by raising objectionable slogans. The case has been lodged against the organisers and participants of a Youm-e-Quds procession in Sonpah village, Beerwah, in the central Kashmir district, a police spokesperson said.

Youm-e-Quds is an annual event observed on the last Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan to express support for Palestine.

“During the procession, a large crowd gathered under the directions of the organiser and raised objectionable slogans,” the police said.

“By sloganeering, organisers tried to create law and order situation and blocked Sonpah - Beerwah road, thereby causing obstruction to smooth movement of the general public,”

said police adding it took cognizance of the incident and registered a case at the Beerwah police station.

“Further investigation is underway, and necessary action as per law will be taken against those involved,” police said.

In neighbouring Baramulla district, police said a case was registered under UA(P) Act against individuals found involved in promoting terrorism by displaying “Hezbollah flags and sloganeering” at Chainabal, Pattan.

“During a procession in Chainabal, some individuals were seen carrying Hezbollah flags, placards and banners featuring photographs of the slain Hezbollah commander,” the police said.

It said the individuals were also heard “raising slogans in support of Hezbollah, with the intent to incite the general public and encourage elements associated with terrorist organisations to engage in subversive activities and to revive terrorist activities within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Police have initiated investigation into the matter and swift action is assured against those found involved in activities that threaten peace and stability in the region, the statement said.