Communal clashes claim three lives in Kishtwar district: Government

JAMMU: Communal clashes in Kishtwar district have claimed three lives and left about 75 business establishments and 35 vehicles damaged in the incidents of arson, officials said.


"A total of 68 shops, 7 hotels and 35 vehicles have been damaged during the untoward incident and 3 causalities have been reported so far (in the communal violence in Kishtwar district)," Divisional Commissioner Shantmanu said.

The state government has ordered an inquiry by the Divisional Commissioner into the incident and promised severe punishment to those found responsible for death and destruction in Kishtwar.

"Authorities have already started the process of assessment of damages to the property in Kishtwar and videography has been completed," the Divisional Commissioner said after a meeting late last night.

"General condition in the division is stated to be under control and efforts are on to restore rule of law," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand along with senior Cabinet ministers had last night called the meeting of civil society members, representatives of different political parties, social organisations, trade unions and prominent members of the society to discuss the situation in the violence-hit areas.

The Deputy Chief Minister said, "All necessary steps would be taken to ensure restoration of peace and confidence among all sections of society."

He said the state's economy is heavily dependant on tourism sector and such incidences adversely affect the backbone of economy.

Communal clashes broke out in Kishtwar area of Jammu province on Eid which later spread to other parts of the region including Jammu city and Rajouri town.

Curfew has been clamped in several districts in Jammu region as tension prevailed following outbreak of the communal violence on Friday.