Security forces deployed in Jammu and Kashmir (symbolic photo)
A police team was attacked by angry people protesting the anti-encroachment drive in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Saturday. At least five policemen, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured in the alleged attack. The news of the attack on the police team created an uproar. Additional police force has been dispatched to the spot. Officials have given this information.
Officials said an operation was launched to demolish an illegally constructed place of worship in the urban area of Hiranagar in the district. Local people were opposing it. When the police along with a revenue department team arrived to remove the encroachment, the crowd of protesting people got agitated. He said the protesters turned violent and attacked the police, injuring five policemen, including a deputy superintendent.
The team that arrived to remove the encroachment was attacked
Additional security forces have been deployed in the area to restore law and order, officials said. According to a police official, a team of police and revenue department reached Purva Chak village on Saturday to remove the encroachment. The local people opposed it. Suddenly they pelted stones on the police and revenue team. Policemen were injured as they were pelted with bricks and stones. The team narrowly escaped a violent mob. This news caused a sensation among the district police chief.
A tense atmosphere in the village
Additional police force was immediately dispatched to the village. The atmosphere in the village is tense after this incident. People are protesting the encroachment campaign. The Kathua administration says that notices have been issued twice to remove encroachments in the village. Even after the notice, construction continued there. The administration has appealed for cooperation, asking people to heed the rumours.
