Shutdown in Reasi, protesters demand fair police probe

Following an alleged attack on a nomadic family for smuggling bovines and the subsequent arrest and release of 11 accused on bail, Reasi district on Tuesday observed a complete shutdown in protest against “biased” police action.

On the call given by Akhil Bharati Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, transporters and trading organisations, Reasi observed a shutdown, said a local. Demanding a fair probe and revocation of the FIR against the 11 accused, protesters also burnt tyres on all connecting roads in the city and shouted slogans against police and civil administration, he added.

Adequate deployment of police and CRPF has been made in and around the town, and the army, has been kept on standby. Raghav Kesar, state general secretary of ABVP, said, “We demand impartial investigations, which are possible only after the suspension of SSP Reasi (Tahir Sajjad Bhat) and deputy SP (Mujeeb-ur-Rehman). Police have implicated innocent persons in the FIR,” he alleged.

Kesar said that during a meeting of a delegation with Reasi deputy commissioner Ravinder Kumar on Tuesday, the latter agreed to a blanket ban on transportation of bovines in vehicles at night.

“The DC also agreed to constitute village-level committees to check bovine smuggling. But he has asked us to give him a memorandum seeking the revocation of FIR and suspension of SSP and Dy SP,” said Kesar.

Kumar said he has also made it mandatory to record entries of animals at various police check points on highways to keep a check on smuggling.

“As far as the revocation of FIR and suspension of officials are concerned, I have asked the delegation to give me a memorandum that will be submitted to the higher-ups for their consideration,” he said.

COPS DID NOTHING, SHOULD BE TAKEN TO TASK: NC LEADER

Meanwhile, senior National Conference leader Mian Altaf, who represents the nomadic Gujjar community, demanded stern action against the police for being a “mute spectator” when the family was harassed.

“It is ironical that the police has lodged FIR against the victims. The action taken by the police so far is just an eye wash,” the NC leader said.