Revocation of Jammu temple land provokes nationwide Indian demonstrations
3rd July 2008
The Times of India has reported that several major roads and railways across the country have been blocked by demonstrations against a decision by the state governor of Jammu & Kashmir, to revoke an allotment of a parcel of land to a Hindu Temple. In recent weeks the row has aroused fears of renewed separatist and sectarian conflict in the contested region, with clashes between the two communities leading to injuries.
The decision was made in late May to revoke the allocation of 100 acres of land, on the grounds that it would potentially be inflammatory. But the revocation itself provoked angry responses from the region's Hindu population, which accused the government of attempting to 'appease' Muslims. In addition, some parts of the Muslim population have continued to protest against the allocation despite its reversal.
The Pakistan press agency reported that 'activists of Hindu organizations' had clashed with police in the Jammu region of occupied Kashmir, and that some 28 people had been injured in clashes, while the Times of India has reported that curfews have been 'slapped on' in several areas of Jammu, and that police have resorted to the use of teargas to clear blocked highways.
The Times of India has reported that several major roads and railways across the country have been blocked by demonstrations against a decision by the state governor of Jammu & Kashmir, to revoke an allotment of a parcel of land to a Hindu Temple. In recent weeks the row has aroused fears of renewed separatist and sectarian conflict in the contested region, with clashes between the two communities leading to injuries.
The decision was made in late May to revoke the allocation of 100 acres of land, on the grounds that it would potentially be inflammatory. But the revocation itself provoked angry responses from the region's Hindu population, which accused the government of attempting to 'appease' Muslims. In addition, some parts of the Muslim population have continued to protest against the allocation despite its reversal.
The Pakistan press agency reported that 'activists of Hindu organizations' had clashed with police in the Jammu region of occupied Kashmir, and that some 28 people had been injured in clashes, while the Times of India has reported that curfews have been 'slapped on' in several areas of Jammu, and that police have resorted to the use of teargas to clear blocked highways.