JAMMU: Police resorted to a “mild” lathi charge to disperse workers and leaders of Bharatiya Janta Yova Morcha (BJYM) who were trying to march to Dr Farooq Abdullah’s Bhatindi residence in Jammu, after his name surfaced in the list of beneficiaries of the Roshni Scheme in J&K.
A large contingent of police already deployed near Mecca Masjid near Abdullah’s Bhatindi residence didn’t allow the protesters to move ahead. To prevent a clash between activists of Farooq Abdullah’s party, the National Conference, and BJYM protestors, police resorted to a mild lathi charge to maintain law and order.
Residents of Bhatindi locality while speaking to Kashmir Reader alleged that the BJP was trying to disturb peace and harmony in Jammu region. They said that activists of BJYM, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and other right-wing organisations have been targeting the Muslim community on one pretext or the other.
“We are not disputing the government’s action against those who have illegally occupied government land. We are with the government but we will not tolerate such illegal protest demonstrations which tarnish the image of the Muslim community and disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the region,” a group of residents said.
In view of the security situation at Bhatindi, a special meeting with residents of Bhatindi locality was convened by DIG Jammu, SSP Jammu, and other officers. Interactions with the inhabitants of the area were held and their grievances were heard by the officers.
During the meeting, the administration appealed to people to not spread or believe in rumours. People were also advised to not circulate/ forward any messages in the form of videos/ audio/ pictures on social media which could cause or increase communal tension.
They said that the police was constantly monitoring social media and will take strict legal action against those found guilty of such acts.
“It is also requested to the public to inform us about hate material circulated on social media by informing police on 100 and not by posting it on media platforms. Kindly do not believe in rumours,” the police said.

TILAK MEHRA