In Jammu and Pir Panjal region, on the call of traders and National Conference, people observed a complete shutdown against the attack on Amarnath Yatri’s in South Kashmir on Monday evening. Seven pilgrims were killed and 19 others were injured in the attack.As a precautionary measure, the government had suspended internet service and the educational institutions across Jammu region.A senior police officer said: "All educational institutions in Jammu district shall remain shut today (Tuesday) as a precautionary measure."All the shops and business establishments remained shut while transport remained off the roads in Jammu district. The call for shutdown in Jammu was forwarded by Opposition National Conference.Massive deployments of government forces personnel were seen in the district. To avoid any law and order problem, security had been beefed up in restive areas.
Witnesses said that a procession was carried out by the supporters of National Conference that marched through roads of Jammu and culminated at Raghunath Bazar. The participants carrying National Conference flags had been demanding the action against the assailants and imposition of Governors rule in the state.Reports added that Hindus in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Pir Panjal area of Jammu and Kashmir also staged protests amid shutdown against the killing of seven Amarnath pilgrims.Hundreds of people staged a march in old town market and Tehsil chowk in Rajouri to protest against the attack. The protesters raised slogans against what they called failure of the state government to safeguard pilgrims.Protests were also held at Jawahar Nagar, Salani Bridge chowk, Panja chowk of Rajouri town where protesting youth blocked roads and staged anti government protests.A major protest was also staged at Sunderbani chowk where protesting people blocked Jammu-Poonch highway and stalled vehicular traffic.
Similarly, people from the minority community also staged a protest in Poonch district.A partial shutdown was observed in Bhadarwah, Doda Premnagar, Ramban and Kishtwar area of Chenab valley.Shops and other business establishments remained closed, however government offices and banks functioned normally and traffic was plying on the roads as usual.The shutdown call was issued by various hindu organizations, including Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) to express their resentment over the attack that left seven pilgrims dead and 30 injured. A protest rally was taken out, which after passing through various bazars, culminated at Seri Bazaar Bhadarwah where several leaders, including VHP President Satish Kotwal, Veteran Politician Mast Nath Yogi and others addressed the protesters.The protesters while raising anti-Pakistan and anti militancy slogans demanded strict action against the culprits involved in the attack. Internet and broadband services in the region have been suspended as a precautionary measure following the killing of Amarnath pilgrims in the Kashmir Valley, the SSP control room said. Meanwhile, Muslim Organizations from Jammu expressed sympathies with the bereaved families and termed the attack on Hindu pilgrims a barbaric act. Jammu Muslim Front and Jammu Shia Fraternity in a statement to CNS said that they support the stand of their Hindu brethren. (CNS)