Kishtwar observes complete shutdown, partial bandh in Doda and Bhaderwah after a deregatory video got viral

A peaceful bandh is being observed in Chenab Valley today whereas people in Banihal town organized a demonstration to demand action against people who had uploaded a communally sensitive video in Jammu.

“We have given a one-day peaceful bandh call in the entire Chenab Valley including Kishtwar. All the communities have supported the bandh call in Kishtwar. The bandh is being observed in Doda, Bhaderwah, and Ramban,” said Imam Jama Masjid, Kishtwar, Farooq Ahmed Kitchloo.

The announcements were made from the loudspeakers asking people to stay inside their homes, said a resident. Strict security arrangements have been made in the district to avoid any untoward incident.

“There is a bandh on the call issued by the locals. There are certain restrictions due to covid19,” added SSP Kishtwar, Harmeet Singh.

There is a complete shutdown in Kishtwar as both the communities have closed their shops and transport is off the roads.

Pertinently , two people were arrested on Sunday after a “communally sensitive” video went viral on social media, triggering protests by members of a particular community here.

“A report circulated on social media in which derogatory remarks were used against a particular community. Police took immediate cognizance of the incident and a case under IPC section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) was registered at Pacca Danga Police Station,” Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Mukesh Singh said.

Satpal Sharma and Deepak were arrested in this connection, he said, adding that search is on for another person, Rohit, who is also seen in the video.

Singh also warned people against sharing the video and said strict action will be taken against them.