Curfew lifted in Rajouri

Jammu, July 26

With the situation returning to normal in Rajouri town, curfew was today lifted after remaining in force for six days following clashes over alleged burning of Islamic State (IS) flag by VHP activists recently.

Internet and mobile services were also restored.

"There was no untoward incident when we relaxed the curfew for two days. So, we extended the relaxation yesterday night and it remained peaceful," said Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Deepti Uppal.

Since normalcy has been restored in the town, Uppal said the authorities had decided to completely lift the curfew, but would continue to keep an eye on the situation.

"Curfew has been completely lifted from the town, but at some places Section 144 (that prohibits the gathering of four or more people) will remain in place. The authorities will be monitoring the law and order situation in the town as well," she said.

The Deputy Commissioner said the mobile and internet services had been restored in the area, which had been snapped in order to prevent spreading of rumours.

"We had snapped the internet services so as to stop rumour-mongering in the town. Yesterday, we restored internet on BSNL and today we ordered the restoration on all other networks," she said.

Curfew was clamped in the town on Tuesday after some VHP activists allegedly burnt an IS flag, leading to protests by Muslims who claimed it bore religious verses.

Uppal said the religious heads of both communities had played a constructive role in defusing tension.

"The religious heads of both communities held a meeting and decided to resolve the issue amicably," she said.

The authorities in the town have also decided to release over 20 youths who had been arrested after they threw stones at policemen. Several policemen were reported to have been injured in incidents of stone-throwing. PTI