 | « Back to article | Print this article |
The Centre on Monday said it is seeking a report from the Jammu and Kashmir government on the incidents of violence in Kishtwar and adjoining areas where three people lost their lives and 75 business establishments and 35 vehicles were damaged in incidents of arson.
Talking to reporters outside Parliament House, Minister of State for Home RPN Singh said the Centre is also providing all possible help to the state to bring calm in the Jammu region.
"We are in constant touch with the state government. We are giving them all support to bring calm in Jammu. We have also asked the state government to arrest all miscreants so that normalcy can be brought about in the areas of Jammu and regions adjoining it. We are seeking a report from them," he said.
Curfew has been clamped in several districts in Jammu region as tension prevailed following outbreak of communal violence in Kishtwar on Friday that left three persons dead and scores injured.
Authorities have imposed curfew and deployed army in the Jammu and Rajouri districts after some incidents of arson and communal tension.
Additional forces have also been deployed in sensitive areas to avert any untoward incident.
Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley was on Sunday detained in Jammu and was not allowed to visit Kishtwar.
"A total of 68 shops, 7 hotels and 35 vehicles have been damaged during the untoward incident and 3 casualties have been reported so far (in the communal violence in Kishtwar district)," Divisional Commissioner Shantmanu said.
The state government has ordered an inquiry by the divisional commissioner into the incident and promised severe punishment to those found responsible for death and destruction in Kishtwar.
"Authorities have already started the process of assessment of damages to the property in Kishtwar and videography has been completed," the divisional commissioner said after a meeting late on Sunday night.
"General condition in the division is stated to be under control and efforts are on to restore rule of law," he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand along with senior Cabinet ministers had last night called the meeting of civil society members, representatives of different political parties, social organisations, trade unions and prominent members of the society to discuss the situation in the violence-hit areas.
The deputy chief minister said, "All necessary steps would be taken to ensure restoration of peace and confidence among all sections of society."
He said the state's economy is heavily dependant on tourism sector and such incidences adversely affect the backbone of economy.
Communal clashes broke out in Kishtwar area of Jammu province on Eid which later spread to other parts of the region including Jammu city and Rajouri town.
Curfew has been clamped in several districts in Jammu region as tension prevailed following outbreak of the communal violence on Friday.
Image: Minister of State for Home RPN Singh addressed media over Kishtwar violence outside Parliament on Monday