Curfew lifted but protests continue in Jammu

Although curfew was lifted on Tuesday from Jammu and the adjoining areas, the region witnessed protest rallies yet again, demanding the removal of Governor N N Vohra and the restoration of forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

"The situation is tense but curfew has been lifted as there have been no reports of any untoward incidents," deputy commissioner of police Mandeep Bandari told PTI.

Immediately after the curfew was lifted, people thronged the streets. The protestors burnt tyres and effigies of the governor at the Parade Ground and several other places.

A police spokesman said most markets and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in Jammu city and adjoining areas. All schools and educational institutions including Jammu University were closed and examinations have been cancelled.

The bandh has entered its 17th day on the call given by the Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti.

SASS activist Kuldeep Kumar, who was taking part in a chain hunger strike against the revocation of the forest land transferred to the SASB, allegedly committed suicide on July 25. His death triggered massive protests and the authorities had imposed a curfew in Jammu and adjoining areas.