Amid stray violence, probe ordered into temple desecration

5 Dariya News

Jammu 15-Jun-2016

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday ordered a probe into the alleged desecration of a temple here as sporadic incidents of violence continued for a second day, police said.Incidents of stone pelting were reported from parts of Jammu city, forcing police to use batons and tear smoke to quell the protests, senior officials said.Heath and Medical Education Minister Bali Bhagat said the government had ordered a probe to ascertain the facts about the alleged desecration of an ancient Hindu temple in Roop Nagar area here on Tuesday.

Bhagat appealed to people to maintain calm and said the situation in Jammu city remained largely peaceful on Wednesday.Police arrested a youth, Yasir, belonging to Doda district, in connection with the alleged desecration.Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Abdul Haq Khan told the state assembly in Srinagar that the youth was found to be mentally challenged.Meanwhile, following demands by some rightwing Hindu groups, the authorities on Wednesday evening released all the 22 people arrested on suspicion of arson and rioting on Tuesday.A mob torched three vehicles in Janipur area of Jammu as news about the alleged desecration spread on Tuesday.Authorities on Wednesday suspended Internet services in Jammu city to check the spread of rumours.