BJP-NC Clash in Rajouri, Curfew

SRINAGAR: Authorities have imposed curfew like restrictions in Rajouri district of Jammu region where clashes between the ruling BJP and the Opposition National Conference left two injured yesterday.

Officials said Section 144 has been imposed in Kalakote region of Rajouri district in Chenab Valley, and schools and tuition centres have been ordered to remain shut in the view of tensions prevailing there.

Clashes had broken out after the middle-rung leaders of the BJP and the National Conference scuffled during a meeting to discuss creation of new wards ahead of the Panchayat elections at Dak Bungalow in Kalakote.

According to sources, differences arose between the two parties on the issue during the meeting which was also attended by Sarpanchs and Panchs of the area.

"The BDO, who was chairing the meeting, tried to pacify them; however, clashes soon broke out between the two sides during which a senior BJP activist was assaulted by NC people," they said.

Khan, who is the Public Relations Officer of J&K's Animal Husbandry minister and MLA Kalakote, Abdul Gani Kohli, was taken to GMC Jammu for treatment where his condition is believed to be stable.

"He has suffered a fracture in his arm and his face was also hit. These people (from NC) think they can have their way by hook or crook. However, we will not allow any kind of injustice with people, come what may," Kohli said.

After the incident, the BJP activists hit the roads yesterday and staged protests, demanding the arrest of ex-MLA Kalakote and NC leader Rashpal Singh's brothers and son who, they said, were involved in the attack.

Singh has denied their involvement in the attack.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has filed an FIR in connection with the violence in which 17 people have been reportedly named. However, no arrests have been made so attack.

"We are investigating the matter. Restrictions have been imposed in the region today to prevent law and order problems," a senior police officer said.