J&K Government imposed curfew in Kishtwar district in Chenab Valley after an attempt to arrest some persons evoked wide spread protests and clashes.
Police raided residences of Maulvi Abdul Qayoom Matoo, Saif Ud Din Bagwan and Firdous Ahmad Bagwan and arrested them around 1:30 AM,” sources said.
“The raids created furore and people came out of their homes,” a local of Bagwan Mohalla said.
Police later raided the residence of Imam Bunistan Masjid, Qari Manzoor Hussain Ganai but he was not present in his home. Matoo lives in Umar Mohalla; Saif Ud Din and Firdous are residents of Bagwan Mohalla while Qari lives in Bunistan Mohalla.
Announcements were made through loudspeakers and people came out and pro-freedom protests erupted,” locals said.
Police had to fire tear gas canisters and use lathi-charge to disperse off the protestors,” eye witnesses said.
Later, around 4 AM, police vehicles made round of Kishtwar town and announced imposition of curfew in the town and its adjoining areas. “Stay home, don’t come out as curfew has been imposed,” cops announced.