4 dead, 42 injured as protesters-BSF clash in Gool area of district Ramban

Situation tense across J&K as protesters erupts against the death

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, July 18: About four people were killed after Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Gool area of Ramban opened firing as hundreds of protesters attacked their camp in wee hours of Thursday morning. Though the locals allege that security forces patrol party did not allow them to perform their religious rituals, BSF claims that some people spread false rumours from the mosque leading to clash between the two sides.

Reports said that nearly 42 protesters were injured in Sangladan area on the wee hours of Thursday after which the authorities imposed curfew in the area. After the killing of civilians, rampaging mobs ransacked and burnt the vehicles in the district.

Entire Ramban district including Doda is tense and administration is making every effort to pacify the people. Meanwhile traffic on Jammu-Srinagar highway remained suspended after people blocked the highway, which also affected the movement of Amarnath bound pilgrims.

Mobile internet services have been suspended in Kashmir; authorities say it was done in order to prevent rumour-mongering on social networking sites.

Reliable sources said that protesters blocked all roads going towards the BSF Post Dharam resultantly force personnel remain confined to the Post. It is learnt that efforts were made by section of protesters tried to attack on the post and to inflict injuries to the BSF and Police persons compelling them to open fire in self defence.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Shyam Vinod Meena said that the administration is trying to maintain law and order in the district.

“Four people were killed and 42 got injured in the firing by the security forces. We are trying to talk with the religious heads and prominent people in the area so as to bring peace back”, said Meena.

In Jammu, Border Security Force (BSF) spokesperson said that an ambush cum patrolling party of COB Dharam of 76 Bn BSF was on the job when they intercepted a person, Muhammad Latif S/o Mustafa R/O Dalwah and enquired about his identity (as it was part of their duty).

In return above-mentioned person started arguing and didn’t take the queries in the right spirit. In the mean time 15 to 20 people assembled at this place and BSF party came back to their post.

“Around 400-500 persons started stone pelting on the BSF Post Dharam. BSF however restrained from firing and informed local police of likelihood of deterioration of situation due to the violent actions by the locals. Immediately Police party arrived at COB Dharam and took stock of the situation.

BSF said that mob started to build up in big numbers and tried forcefully to enter into COB Dharam campus while pelting stones. Due to deteriorating law and order situation the police tried to disperse the mob and fired 3-4 rounds.