Sikhs protest in Jammu over youth killing

This was the third day of their protest against the death of the youth.

Authorities snapped mobile internet services and ordered for the closure of all educational institutions in the province.

Sikh youth, Jagjit Singh, was killed on Thursday and seven others including three policemen were injured in a clash between police as large group of Sikh youths blocked roads here against removal of a poster with a picture of late militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Authorities clamped Section 144 of CrPC, which bars gathering of more than four persons at a place, in the entire Jammu district and curfew like situation prevailed in violence-hit areas of Satwari-Ranibagh-Gadigarh-R S Pura belt and elsewhere.

Hundreds of vehicles got stranded after Sikh protesters blocked the Jammu-Pathakote highway and burnt tyres.

Protests were held at Digiana belt and people raised slogans against the police and the government.

Similar protests were held in Poonch, Kathua and Rajouri areas.

Due to prohibitory orders, curfew and protests life was paralyzed in entire Jammu.

All shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained shut in the area.

The Army late last night staged flag march in the violence hit belt on road from R S Pura to Satwari and other parts of Jammu following violent clashes.

Protesters on Thursday snatched an AK-47 rifle from a special police officer (SPO) in Digiana area of Jammu city.

"We have launched a manhunt to trace the culprit and recover the weapon," police said.

Meanwhile, scores of people, who belong to the Sikh community, were arrested near Amirakadal Gurudwara in Srinagar city on Friday after they staged a protest amid pro-Khalistan slogans against the killing of the Sikh youth.