Jammu returns to normalcy; curfew relaxed for over 10 hrs

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 2/21/2019 11:17:37 AM

# Schools, JU to open today # Colleges to remain closed # ‘Missing Budgam girl traced’

JAMMU, Feb 20: With a tangible improvement in the situation, the district administration Wednesday granted relaxation for over ten hours in the entire city, reeling under curfew for last six days.
This was for the first time, since imposition of curfew on February 15 after eruption of violence in protests during shutdown call against Pulwama terror attack, that the relaxation was granted in the entire city in one go and that too from morning till dusk i.e., from 8.00 AM till 6.30 PM. 2G mobile internet services was also restored during the day for a couple of hours.
In the wake of improved law and order situation, the administration also decided to reopen schools, both government and private, tomorrow. The examinations of 8th and 9th classes will also be held as per schedule on Thursday in all districts of Jammu province. However, all colleges in the district will remain closed. If the similar situation persists, curfew is likely to be lifted tomorrow.
As per University of Jammu spokesperson, all offices of the varsity will also remain functional on Thursday, but teaching will remain suspended. “All examinations slated for February 21 stand postponed as has already been notified earlier,” the varsity spokesman said.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, while addressing media, in the evening stated that the curfew was relaxed in the entire city today and the relaxation period passed off peacefully. “However, the night curfew will continue as a precautionary measure. The relaxation will continue on Thursday but the timing will be decided in the morning after reviewing the situation,” he added.
However, prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC remained in force to maintain law and order during relaxation period.
“All government and private schools will reopen tomorrow and the examinations will be conducted as per schedule. However, all colleges in the district will remain closed,” he said, adding that 2G mobile internet services would be restored Wednesday night. He, however, warned against posting of provocative posts on social media stating that Cyber Cell of police would continue to monitor the situation. Cautioning against rumour mongering, DC Jammu stated that action would be taken against newspapers as well for publication of news on the basis of unverified content with the potential to provoke sentiments. Kumar said prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC would remain in force in the entire city as a precautionary measure. All wine shops and bars would also remain closed, he said.
IGP Jammu also warned against rumour mongering on social networking sites saying those trying to spread rumours on social networking sites would be sternly dealt under law. He said that decision on the restoration of 4G services in the region including Jammu district would be taken after complete restoration of normalcy. Internet services in the region were suspended on Thursday night following Jammu bandh called against Pulwama attack.
During the press conference, it was also informed that the girl missing from Budgam for last five days was traced from Jammu where she had been putting up with her relatives. “She had left home after some family dispute,” officials informed.
Earlier in the morning, the District Magistrate Jammu, Ramesh Kumar initially ordered a relaxation in the curfew in the entire city from 8 AM to 11 AM. Later it was extended till 6.30 PM as no untoward incident was reported. Normal life resumed as the policemen, making rounds of the city, announced the relaxation of the curfew. Shops and business establishments reopened across the city, while public transport also resumed on most of the routes as people came out of their homes to buy essential commodities. People in some areas complained of shortage of vegetables, milk and ration and demanded that ATMs be made operational immediately as they are running out of cash. There were also complains of non-availability of public transport on some routes.
All educational institutions remained closed in Jammu district for the sixth consecutive day as per government orders. However, officials said the examination of 8th and 9th classes would be held as per schedule on Thursday in all districts of Jammu province. “In case of restrictions in any area, the admit cards of students and identity cards of teachers will be treated as curfew passes,” the officials said.

Northern army Commander reviews security situation in Kashmir
KT NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Feb 20: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh on Wednesday reviewed the security situation in Kashmir, two days after top Jaish militants were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.
Three JeM terrorists, including two top commanders believed to be behind the Pulwama terror attack, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an army Major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday.
A civilian died in the crossfire during the gun battle in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district, 12 km from the spot of the February 14 attack on CRPF personnel which claimed the lives of over 40 jawans, officials said. “Lt Gen Singh arrived in Srinagar today for a two-day visit to review the prevailing security situation post the recent operations in which top JeM leadership was eliminated,” an Army official said.
He said the Army Commander, accompanied by the Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, also visited the 92 Base Hospital here and enquired about the health of the recuperating soldiers injured in the recent operations. “The Army commander complimented the commanders and troops for their exceptional courage and excellent professional conduct,” the official said.
Later, the Army Commander was given an update by the Chinar Corps Commander on operational and administrative aspects. "He was very appreciative of the valour and professionalism of the security forces operating in Kashmir," the official added.

 

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