Curfew continues in Mendhar, Poonch towns

Curfew remained clamped in violence-hit border towns of Mendhar and Poonch in Jammu division today.

The curfew was imposed in Mendhar town on Wednesday after three persons were killed and 13 others injured in police firing to quell a mob trying to set ablaze a missionary school while protesting alleged desecration of a holy book in the US.

The restriction was imposed in Poonch town on Tuesday after violent protests in which over 20 people, including four cops, were injured.

The authorities had rushed additional companies of police and para-military troops to the border towns yesterday and they were patrolling the areas to ensure strict implementation of the curfew restrictions, officials said.

However, the situation in Mandi in Poonch district was tense with reports of people gathering to take out a procession, while it was peaceful in Surankote town of the same district.

Reports from hilly districts of Doda and Ramban said that some shops and business establishments remained closed in the area.

Authorities in almost all districts, including in Jammu, held meetings with religious leaders and sought their cooperation in maintaining peace after Friday prayers, they said.