Communal tensions were brewing in parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s Chenab valley for some time over a series of incidents involving members of government-supported VDCs and reaction thereto by Muslim residents.
On Friday, Muslim worshippers heading towards Chowgan grounds for Id prayers were allegedly attacked with stones by groups of youth from the other community. Muslims retaliated by targeting Hindu properties and police vehicles. The Hindus, on the other hand, claimed that the Muslims were raising anti-national slogans to which they protested and an altercation followed.
Minister of state for home Sajjad Kichloo, who is also a local MLA, tried to persuade the angry residents but in vain. Kishtwar falls in Jammu division of the state and is about 226 km east of winter capital Jammu. Divisional commissioner, Jammu, Shant Manu said curfew has been clamped in Kishtwar and neighbouring areas and the Army called out after clashes broke out in Kuleed area and soon spread to some other parts of the district.
The police and CRPF fired teargas canisters and rifle shots in the area and swung bamboo sticks at places to control the situation. Reports said that the situation turned ugly when the police and civilians were fired upon from homes following which a list of VDC members was drawn up quickly so that the arms given to them could be withdrawn.
In a series of tweets, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj sought Mr Abdullah’s “immediate attention”. She wrote, “I’ve checked up from Kishtwar. Many injured. Houses and shops burnt. Please, do something immediately.” The chief minister responded by writing, “Injuries and damage has taken place on both sides. Situation is being rapidly brought under control. Adequate forces sent.”
The BJP leader reacted saying, “I did not speak of any ‘sides’... Every person injured there is a Hindustani”. The chief minister suggested, “You can express your concern by ensuring trouble-makers don’t spread this problem to other areas for political benefit... on our part we are doing the same but everyone’s cooperation will obviously help. I’m basing my request on credible reports.”
Reacting to an allegation levelled by a follower of Ms Swaraj from the area, the chief minister said, “But the lies on ‘mutilations’ in Kishtwar are designed to inflame passions and polarise people.” The BJP leader on this said, “I’ve spoken to people there. The situation is bad... Please, rush enough forces and save people.” Mr Abdullah wrote, “Ma’am for a realistic assessment I request you speak to Northern Army Commander or the DGP (who is in Kishtwar).” The response from the BJP leader was, “No. I will not bypass the chief minister of J&K. Law and order is the state subject.”
In another tweet, Ms Swaraj said that Mr Abdullah has telephoned her to inform that the Army flag march is on and more forces are reaching Kishtwar. But several questions remain unanswered.
Communal tensions were brewing in parts of Chenab valley for some time. Why and who is responsible. Id congregation was attacked. Why and by whom and why did the administration fail to take preventive measures ahead of the festival.