Broadband, Mobile Internet Services Restored In Ramban
Ramban- Broadband and mobile Internet services were restored in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district while prohibitory orders were lifted from Doda, except in Bhaderwah town, on Monday, days after tension ran high in the Union Territory over now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s derogatory remarks over Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh).
Prohibitory orders were also relaxed in the Kishtwar district but curfew remained in force in the Bhaderwah town for the fifth day in a row. However, students appearing in board exams were given free movement on showing valid identity and admit cards, officials said.
They said the broadband and mobile internet services were restored in the Ramban district late Sunday night after remaining suspended since June 9.
However, the services remained suspended in Doda and Kishtwar districts, as a precautionary measure, officials said.
In Bhaderwah town, police vehicles fitted with a public address system made several announcements since early morning informing people to stay indoors.
“As per the directions of the administration, admit cards were treated as curfew passes to facilitate free movement of students appearing for class 10 and 12 board exams,” said Rana Arif, an official of the education department.
Arif, nominated as liaison officer to coordinate meetings between different communities and address students’ issues, said almost all students and staff have reached the centres well in time and the examinations were conducted successfully.
An official spokesperson said restrictions under CrPC section 144, which were imposed on Thursday, have been lifted from the whole of the Doda district, except Bhaderwah town.
Deputy Commissioner of Doda Vikas Sharma along with Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Qayoom reviewed the law-and-order situation across the district.
The deputy commissioner urged the locals to maintain communal harmony, and not to indulge in any activity that can have an adverse effect on the law-and-order situation.
Markets were opened in Doda, Thatri and Gandoh, the spokesperson said, adding the “situation in Bhaderwah was also normal and is continuously being monitored”.
Officials said that in Kishtwar town curfew-like restrictions were relaxed for one-and-a-half hours from 6 pm.
“The situation is well under control and there was no untoward incident reported from anywhere,” a police official said, adding the relaxation period is likely to be further extended in Kishtwar.
Meanwhile, Aadil Gafoor Ganai who was arrested on Sunday for allegedly delivering an inflammatory speech from Markazi Jamia Masjid Bhaderwah on June 9 was produced before a mobile magistrate who sent him to police remand for five days.
Another accused, a juvenile whose social media post triggered the protests by the Muslim community, had managed an anticipatory bail from a court in Jammu.
Son of a police woman head constable, the 17-year-old evaded detention after being booked by police as raids continued in the town to arrest other accused wanted for their alleged involvement in creating trouble.
Meanwhile, an official spokesperson in a handout released on Monday evening said that barring Bhaderwah town, restrictions have been lifted from rest of the district.
He said that markets were open in Doda, Thatri and Gandoh and people across all section of society expressed their happiness over the removal of restrictions.
According to the spokesperson, the Deputy Commissioner Vikas Sharma along with Abdul Qayoom, SSP Doda on Monday reviewed the law and order situation across the district and also conducted round of Doda town.
“SDM Thatri and SDM Gandoh along with police officers also conducted various meetings with different sections of society within their respective jurisdictions,” he said.
He further said that the District Magistrate urged the locals to maintain communal harmony, tranquility, peace, besides asked not to indulge in any activity having potential of breaching law and order situation.
Oppn Leaders Take Out Peace March In Jammu
Concerned over communal tension “gripping” different parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, several opposition parties and social organisations on Monday took out a peace march here and appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony.
The march was organised by Jammu-based All Parties United Morcha (APUM), a conglomerate of various socio-political organisations, including the Congress, National Conference, PDP and CPI(M), from Parade ground to Raghunath temple chowk in the old city.
Raising slogans of religious harmony, the participants denounced the attempts by “mischievous elements” and “divisive forces” to incite communal tension in the country.
“The developing situation in the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir, in the wake of recent widespread protests is a cause for serious concern. Some forces with vested interests are trying to harm the age-old communal harmony which is not good for the nation, former Member of Parliament Sheikh Abdul Rehman told reporters.
Rehman, who led the march, said similar programmes will be conducted in all districts to mobilise public support against those trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere.
National Conference Provincial President of Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta said a deliberate attempt is being made to create a division in the society.
The public as well as the religious leaders are requested to remain cautious and not allow the vested interests to disturb peace, brotherhood and communal harmony, he said.
Senior Congress leader and former legislator Ravinder Sharma denounced communalism and fundamentalism in any form and asked the government to check such forces.
Unity in diversity is the strength of our nation and we have to maintain it at all costs for overall development, he said.
Accusing the government of failure to control the mischievous elements, Sharma demanded stern action according to law against all those trying to spread hatred in the society.
The participants also appealed to the Supreme Court to take suo moto cognizance of the prevailing situation in the country and put a moratorium on ‘mandir-masjid’ conflicts and communal politics.
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