Angry over the alleged desecration of a mosque and the holy Quran in Anantnag district, hundreds of people took to streets on Thursday, demanding severe punishment to the culprits.

Over 5,000 people staged demonstration at Shangus area in Anantnag on Thursday morning after a girl found torn pieces of the holy book, official sources said.

The situation worsened when inhabitants of adjacent Watrasoo village joined the protestors alleging that a local mosque was also desecrated by unidentified persons prompting authorities to deploy additional police personnel in the area.

Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag G A Peer and senior police officials, including the district SSP, rushed to the scene and assured the protestors that those found guilty will be dealt with as per law, the sources said.

The protestors were demanding identification of the culprits and severe punishment to them.

Peer said anybody who gives information about the incident would be suitably rewarded while the local Auqaf Committee has also announced a reward for information leading to arrest of the culprits.