Unruly activists from newly floated ‘Hindu Ekta Manch’ supported by ruling BJP and National Panthers Party pelted stones on police when the mob tried to block the road at Chadwal and Dyalachak in Kathua district. ‘Hindu Ekta Manch’ carried out a march demanding Aisfa’s rape and murder case should be handed over to CBI. The protesters even pelted stones on the police who retaliated with tear smoke shelling.
The police also charged protesters with canes who were resorting to inflammatory sloganeering. Police also arrested NPP leader Balwant Singh Mankotia from Dyalchak who according to an official wants to foment trouble in the region. Mankotia before his arrest told reporters that Crime Branch is harassing common people. He said that case should be handed over to CBI. “Mehbooba Mufti has posted her own officers in Crime Branch who are harassing Hindu community,” Mankotia who lost previous assembly elections said and alleged that police thrashed protesters without any reason.
NPP supported the ‘Hindu Ekta Manch’ march which police and civil administration described as uncalled for. Witnesses said that protesters raised anti-Mehbooba Mufti slogans and alleged that she has turned Jammu region into Pakistan. Crime Branch has already arrested three culprits including two SPO’s while it has also arrested a police officer for destroying the evidences. Asifa, an 8 year old minor was kidnapped and raped in Rasna Hera Nagar area of Kathua district and since then ‘Hindu Ekta Manch’ supported by BJP and NPP are politicizing the issue demanding the case be handed over to Central Bureau Investigation