Communal clashes in Kathua district, Army called out

JAMMU: Mobs went a rampage setting afire kiosks and damaging property as communal clashes, sparked by an alleged act of sacrilege, erupted today in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, prompting authorities to call out Army.

There were reports of an incident of cow slaughter by some miscreants in Janu village in the district, officials said. As the news spread like wild fire, protesters hit the streets setting afire kiosks and damaging shops, triggering communal clashes, they said.

Top police officials, including DIG Jammu-Kathua range Shakeel Beigh, rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Reports said 11 people were injured in clashes, hurling of stones and cane-charge and six kiosks were set ablaze.

Authorities called senior citizens and leaders of two communities for a meeting and the issue was resolved, the officials said. Two persons, allegedly involved in the sacrilegious act, were held, and a case was registered in connection with the clashes, they said.

"The situation is under control. However, two columns of Army have been called for night patrolling to maintain peace in view of Eid tomorrow," Kathua Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary told PTI.

A probe had been initiated into violence, he said. Divisional Commissioner (Jammu Zone) Shant Manu said knives and some pieces of meat (of the slain animal) were found and sent to Forensic laboratory. Adequate police and CRPF have been deployed in the troubled-torn area, the officials said.