Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Jammu -Police and a section of the Sikh community clashed near Jammu on Wednesday after posters depicting slain Sikh separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were reportedly removed during a religious event.
Two policemen were injured during the protest against removal of the posters from Rani Bagh area near Jammu, police said.
Senior officials said the Sikh community had organised a religious ceremony in remembrance of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The community has been organising the three-day event since 1985.
However, tension gripped the Satwari area of Jammu after police on Wednesday morning removed the posters depicting Bhindranwale, who was associated with the separatist Khalistan movement.
Facing opposition from the local people, the event’s organisers claimed that over the years such posters were never objected to.
After the police removed the posters, scores of people marched towards the Jammu-RS Pura road. They blocked the road, demanding action against the policemen who removed the posters.
The protesters also clashed with the police.
SSP Jammu Uttam Chand told that when policemen tried to control the situation they were attacked by a group of youths with sharp weapons, wounding two policemen.
“We have registered an FIR in the case,” he said.
Later, Jammu Deputy Commissioner Simrandeep Singh and Uttam Chand held talks with the Sikh community leaders and subsequently protesters dispersed.
According to the Sikh leaders, they were assured by the administration that Satwari SHO Inspector Kulbir Choudhary would be suspended and shifted from the police station.
They also said the administration has assured that the poster of Bhindranwale would be reinstated.
However, Jammu SSP said the posters were removed by the police and the leaders of the community were persuaded not to paste such posters in future. He said the SHO Kulbir shall not be shifted.
On the other hand, Jammu Deputy Commissioner Simrandeep Singh told that he has directed the police to return the posters to the concerned people.
“Since posters were their property they will be returned to them. However, for pasting the posters they need prior permission from the administration. They cannot paste them without permission,” he said.
Share or comment on this article
