This Article is From Jun 05, 2015

Jammu-Pathankot Highway Blocked as Sikh Protesters Clash With Police

Jammu: Sikh protesters have blocked the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway over the removal of posters of Sikh separatist leader Jarnail Bhindrawale put up in Gardhigarh ahead of his death anniversary on Saturday.

Locals allege the poster was removed by the police, triggering a spate of protests and clashes.

The authorities in Jammu have meanwhile suspended Internet services for both landline and mobile phones.

The protest has entered its third day today. One person was killed and 40 others injured on Thursday after clashes between Sikh protesters and the police in Jammu.

"We are not at fault. A poster was put up here, why did they remove it? What was in that? For the last 31 years we are paying tributes, a young man got killed here, why did he die? Where from did the police come suddenly?" said Kanwaljeet Kaur, a resident of Gardhigarh in Jammu.

On Wednesday, a sub-inspector was stabbed when a mob attacked a police party with sticks and knives. Curfew has now been imposed in Gardhigarh.

"We have taken preventive measures, curfew does not mean that everything is gone out of hand, it is measure for saving the situation from deteriorating further," said Jammu Deputy Commissioner Simranjeet Singh.

The crucial airport road was blocked yesterday when protesters raised slogans against the Jammu and Kashmir government. They burnt tyres denouncing the removal of the poster.

Protesters allege police have picked up many local boys, and are demanding their immediate release. They are also demanding an apology from senior police officers for hurting their sentiments.
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