Problems and havoc sited in the Kishtwar region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir on 9th August, 2013 after the clashes of communities on Eid. The situation which initially tended to turn into communal problems was brought under control after the local police was deployed and the Indian Army took charge of the scenario.
To restore normal atmosphere which seemed to be taken aback by the unhealthy circumstances , the Chief Minister of the state appealed to the common folks to maintain peace among themselves. He ordered that no minister of any party would be allowed to visit Kishtwar. The decision was taken keeping in mind the sentiments of people so that they may not be carried away emotionally that can further worsen the situation. Arun Jaitley, opposition BJP minister was stopped at the Jammu airport in accordance to this issue and order , hence prevented from visiting Kishwar area.
This eventually created tension and indifference in the parliament house where some of the ministers were seen criticizing the CM of J and K. In response to number of questions raised OMAR ABDULLAH shared his opinions on a social networking website Twitter , where he furthered added questions about the Gujarat riots of 2002. This again was highlighted on various media channels and parliament where the issue was debated. Meanwhile the Home minister of J and K resigned after the accusation of not handling the issue as it was supposed to be. To control the continuous rage and protests Curfew was imposed in 8 districts of the state.
The DIVISIONAL COMMISIONER of Jammu gave orders for Curfew to be imposed in the areas of KISHTWAR, JAMMU, UDHAMPUR, RAJOURI, KATHUA, SAMBA, etc mainly from 11th AUGUST 2013 that extended till 14th August 2013 . Even the valley remained tensed through the initial days. The Internet service, local channels and cabel networks were seen disrupted in many parts of the city so that no news or event is reported to people provoking them that can lead to further clashes.
OMAR ABDULLAH asked people not to believe any rumours being spread. All party meeting was called by him in the winter capital of the state after he reached JAMMU to discuss the issue. So that the Masses donot suffer for local needs as the markets remained closed in accordance to the Bandh and Curfew, rexlaxation in curfew was ordered in Jammu city timely each day for some hours daily. Apart from this, all educational institutes were closed and all the Jammu University exams were postponed for further notice. To facilitate the candidates appearing for The NDA (NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY) exam that was scheduled for 11th AUGUST 2013, they were allowed to reach their respective exam centres after the check of their Admit cards that were treated as the curfew passes. For the invigilators of the exam their ID proofs were to be checked so that the exam could be conducted peacefully. In relation to LOC, there were number of ceasefire violation on 12th August 2013 onwards from Pakistan in the KANACHAK region of Jammu, followed by Mendhar and Samba. Also, BJP leader and Gujarat CM NARENDRA MODI at his address to the people in HYDERABAD was seen discussing and speaking about the same. On 13th August 2013, the chamber of commerce of J and K announced extended 48 hours of strike which continued on 14th August, 2013 but happened to be called off on 15th August, 2013 i.e the occasion of Independence day for India. On the eve of Independence day the Chief Minister and the Governor of the state extended their greetings to people. On 15th August 2013, in his address to the people Omar Abdullah emphasized that the special attention which is given to the Kishtwar issue generates the seprate state feeling.
He added that clashes happen everywhere but making such a huge deal out of it is not right. It makes the people of the state feel alienated. In reference to this BJP was seen again hitting back at him saying that this is not tolerable and a new war of words evoked creating further controversy regarding the remarks of the CM of the state. Besides in between the tussle and controversies, the Independence day was peacefully celebrated in the state. Omar Abdullah gave a special message to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in his address saying that the goodwill future of the state lies with the hands of the youth of the state and hence they should stay away from all kinds of evil menace that can hamper their growth and development. The internet services were fully restored in the state by this evening on all leading networks.
Article By: Sujata Bhau
