Chamba villagers injured in clash with J&K Police team

Salooni deputy superintendent of police Mayank Chaudhary said nearly 30 police personnel of Doda district of neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir raided the village, 80km from the district headquarters, in the wee hours in search of a girl who had eloped with her lover. They were carrying weapons and were accompanied by civilians. Their entry was also registered at the border police post at nearby Langera.

‘They had informed the station house officer (SHO) of Kihar police station about the operation but started the search without waiting for the local police,’ said Chaudhary.

The DSP said when the residents objected, the Jammu and Kashmir Police clashed with them and fired teargas shells at the villagers.

‘As the situation worsened, local residents informed the Himachal Pradesh Police after which a team from the Kihar police station was rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control,’ he said.

Some villagers were injured in the melee and were taken to the Kihar community health centre for treatment.

Chaudhary said the villagers also alleged that the raiding cops were drunk and hence their medical examination was done. They are at Kihar police station at present.

‘The Jammu policemen said they used tear-gas shells in self-defence after the villagers attacked them. We have spoken to senior officials of Doda police. A report is being prepared that will be submitted to the Chamba superintendent of police after which further course of action will be decided,’ Chaudhary said.

Jaladi is a hamlet on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The area is surrounded by dense forest and sensitive due to militant activities in the neighbouring UT.