Asif Iqbal Naik
KISHTWAR
J&K Government relaxed curfew in Kishtwar district in Chenab Valley on Wednesday. However, a complete shutdown is being observed by people against the nocturnal raids and arrests.
Curfew was imposed on last Sunday after protests and clashes erupted against arrests made by police.
Police have identified at least three dozen people including government employees allegedly involved in anti-India activities. Four such people have been arrested and two of them were booked under notorious PSA and lodged in Kotbalwal jail.
“The district administration has decided to relax curfew from 8 AM to 6 PM,” an official said, “but sec 144 of RPC remains in force across the district.”
The government had relaxed curfew for four hours on Tuesday as well which was extended for two more hours. However, Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar, Maulana Farooq Ahmad Kichloo, has called for shutdown against the arrests. He has sought immediate and unconditional release of the persons detained and halt to the system of arrests and raids.
Shops, business establishments, schools and public transport is off the roads, however, medical facilities have been exempted from the strike.
