Shutdown in Reasi town against arrest of 'cow vigilantes'; 10 of 11 released on bail
BIVEK MATHUR
JAMMU: Reasi town observed complete shutdown today in protest against police's alleged 'selective action' against 11 accused arrested in connection with the attack on some nomads carrying bovines on the night of April 20 in the district.
Cutting across the political lines, activists and leaders of BJP, Congress, NPP, Shiv Sena, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, local trade bodies, along with hundreds of people took out a protest march in the town.
They were demanding revocation of FIRs against 11 accused held up by the police for thrashing a nomadic family on April 20, opening of Gaushala in Reasi, complete ban on transportation of bovines and transfers of SSP Reasi, SP Reasi and ADC Reasi.
To prevent any untoward incident, heavy deployment of police and CRPF personnel was made by the district administration in the town.
A local VHP leader told The News Now, "We want a fair probe into the entire incident. We also want the SSP Reasi, SP Reasi and some officers from the district administration be transferred, as police also help nomads in transportation of bovines to Kashmir."
When contacted, SSP Reasi, Tahir Sajjad Bhat said, "There was complete shutdown in the district but the protest was peaceful."
"Ten out of 11 accused have been released on bail while one person was released by police, as we couldn't substantiate his role in the attack on the nomads," Bhat said. On major demands of the protesters, he said, "They want a Gaushala be opened in Reasi, complete ban on transportation of bovines, transfer of Police officers and ADC concerned."
Meanwhile, iIn the evening, prominent leaders of the different political organizations and trade union bodies of Reasi district also called on DC Reasi and highlighted their demands.
DC Reasi, Ravinder Kumar asked the deputationists to give their demands in written and assured that he will take up their issues with the concerned higher-ups.