Curfew imposed in Bhaderwah town after man shot dead by cow vigilantes
Bhaderwah:The killing of a middle aged man allegedly by so-called “cow vigilantes” in this frontier town on Thursday triggered wide spread protest and outrage, forcing administration to impose curfew.
A local while giving the details of the incident said that 3 persons were heading towards their native place -Mohalla Qilla Bhaderwah at 2 am on Thursday with their cattle, when they reached near village Nalthi, they were fired upon allegedly by cow vigilantes, killing Naem Ahmed Shah, 50, on the spot, while two others managed to escape with minor injuries. The incident triggered wide spread protest as people were demanding immediate arrest of the culprits.
Police claimed that seven suspects of village Kaathi-Nalthi have been detained. However, the main suspect is absconding.
Meanwhile, protestors pelted stones at police station, demanding that the culprits be handed over to them. To disperse the mob police fired tear gas shells, which further infuriated the protestors, who vandalised the parked vehicles and also burnt a couple of auto rickshaws and a bike at Seri Bazaar, Takia Chowk and Pasri bus stand.
The administration was forced to impose curfew and Army was also called to control the situation, said an official.
“This is a cold-blooded murder and has been carried out at the behest of the extremist elements, who are hell bent to polarize the situation here. If the kingpins are not booked immediately, this will have dangerous consequences,” said Parvaiz Ahmed Sheikh, president Anjuman-e-islamia Bhadarwah.
The District Development Commissioner Doda, Dr Sagar Doifode, SSP Shabir Ahmed Malik and Commander 4 Sector RR Brig N JSingh, according to the officials, are camping at Bhadarwah to keep a watch over the situation.
The DDC Doda appealed people to remain calm and maintain peace. “Law will take its own course and all the culprits will brought to the book,” he added.
