Curfew continues for third consecutive day in Rajouri; two hours relaxation in evening

JAMMU: Curfew continued to remain in force in Rajouri for the third consecutive day today with the authorities deciding to relax it for two hours in the evening.

"Curfew remains to be in place for the third day today. As the situation during the day remained normal, we are going to relax it for two hours in the evening," Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Deepti Uppal, told PTI.

Uppal said she has ordered a magisterial enquiry to ascertain the facts that led to the communal clashes in the town.

Internet services have been suspended in the district in order to prevent people from spreading rumors, she said.

Curfew was imposed in Rajouri town on Tuesday after some VHP activists reportedly burnt terror outfit IS's flag, leading to protests by minority groups who said that the flag bore religious scripture.

Clashes were reported in parts of Old city area as some youths, while defying curfew, pelted stones at policemen.

Leaders of both the communities during a meeting decided to resolve the issue amicably, the DC said.

She said police have decided to release those who were taken into custody folowing the stone pelting incident.

"They will be released but legal action against them would continue as per the law," Uppal said.

Police had arrested over 20 people who were trying to disrupt the law and order situation in the town, by resorting to stone pelting.

She said that steps were being taken to restore normalcy in the town.

"The administration is keeping an eye on the situation and the decision to lift the curfew would be taken only after the situation returns to complete normal," she said.