Curfew imposed in Kishtwar after killing of RSS leader

Authorities imposed curfew in communally sensitive Kishtwar town of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday after suspected militants attacked a Rashtriya Swayamasevak Sangh (RSS) leader, that left him dead along with his security guard.

An official said that curfew was imposed in the town as a precautionary measure to prevent law and order situation while mobile Internet service was also snapped in Kishtwar and neighbouring Doda districts.

A police officer said unidentified militants opened fire on RSS leader, identified as Chandrakant Sharma and his security guard outside district hospital Kishtwar, 200 km from here. Sharma, he said, was critically injured in the attack while his security guard died on the spot.

The officer said the shootout led to a panic in the hospital and taking advantage of the melee, the attackers fled taking along the AK-47 rifle of the deceased policeman.

Sources said that militants who were reportedly three in numbers opened fire when Chanderkant along with his PSO was coming out of the hospital’s OPD around 12.30 pm. Sharma was airlifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu for specialised treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries. BJP Jammu spokesperson Arun Gupta confirmed Singh’s death.

Inspector General of Police for Jammu zone, M K Sinha, while confirming the shootout and termed it as an act of terror. “Searches have been launched to track down the militants who have taken along the service weapon of the deceased PSO,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Angrez Singh Rana said that army has been called to carry out a flag march while curfew was imposed soon after the incident to prevent any law and order disturbance.

On 9 August 2013 at least two persons were killed, while dozens’ others were injured and property worth cores burnt down when communal clashes broke out during Eid celebrations in Kishtwar district.

Kishtwar is part of Udhampur parliamentary constituency which is going to polls in the second phase on April 18. BJP’s incumbent MP and Minister of State in the PMO, Jitendra Singh, is contesting from the constituency against Congress’ Vikramaditya Singh.