Protests in south Kashmir village after army occupies panchayat ghar

Nissar Shaheen

Protests erupted in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday after army occupied a panchayat ghar during the previous night in Jablipora village. Reports said that army’s 1RR who were earlier stationed at nearby railway station in Bijbehara have occupied Panchayat ghar at Jablipora village during the night.

On Wednesday morning, locals were aghast on seeing army installation at the Panchayat ghar, after which they held protests demanding eviction of the army forthwith. The protesters said that they feared the presence of the army camp might bring unnecessary trouble to them.

Earlier, the same battalion of army had tried to establish their camp at Shamsipora village of Anantnag district. However, following massive public outcry, the local administration had intervened and the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag had formally written to the army not to establish camp in the area as it may cause law and order problem.