Security was tightened in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday amid protests against the grant of Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari community, even as NC leader Omar Abdullah was stopped from proceeding to Sunderbani to address a party meeting.
Internet services were also suspended in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch to prevent any untoward incident.
The Gujjar and Bakerwal communities have the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status with 9 per cent reservation in government jobs. Both these communities have opposed the grant of ST status to Paharis claiming that they would cut into their reservations and that the Paharis are a prosperous community in the Union territory.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha appealed to people to not fall for any misinformation being spread by miscreants.
“It is being observed that some provocative comments, statements and videos are being posted on social media platforms (open as well as closed groups) causing concern for law enforcement agencies. It is essential to remind citizens to exercise restraint and avoid engaging in such activities. Additionally, legal action shall be taken against those who persist in making such remarks or sharing provocative content,” the police said.
Hitting out at the BJP government, Abdullah said the gates of his house in Jammu were locked by the police and he was escorted to his office like a “criminal” to stop him from visiting Sunderbani area of Rajouri district.
“This has not happened for the first time. And as the (Lok Sabha) elections draw closer, I am sure such curbs will witness a spurt,” he told reporters at the party headquarters here.
Omar said the “gates of my house have been locked since this morning on the pretext of a law and order situation”.
He said he was scheduled to visit Sunderbani to take part in a party function but was denied permission. “Even the sub divisional police officer (SDPO) accompanied me to the party office in Jammu like a criminal is being escorted,” he said.
The National Conference (NC) leader said democracy is absent in the Union territory. “They (BJP) have once again proved it. They are saying everyone is free to carry out political activities, but it is only for those who are praising the BJP and its government”.
He asserted that his party has always supported the demand of ST status to the Paharis, but the quota of Gujjars and Bakerwals should not be diluted.
J-K BJP chief Ravinder Raina said the reservation of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities will not be disturbed.