Don't exploit situation, Omar tells parties

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday accused some political parties of trying to exploit the situation in the wake of violence in Kishtwar.

He vowed to take strict action against those fomenting communal trouble.

"My earnest appeal to the people is: Please do not allow parties who are putting political interest above human interest to exploit your sentiments and the situation," Abdullah told reporters here.

Kishtwar has been under curfew since communal riots broke out Friday. Authorities have also brought Jammu city and Rajouri town under curfew as the trouble spread.

Abdullah said no politician from any political party would be allowed to enter Kishtwar in Jammu region.

"Please dismiss rumours as there are lots of them floating around, and cooperate with the administration. We will ensure that order is restored and justice done," he said.

The chief minister said incidents of the last two days have hurt the sentiments of the people and there was concern that violence was spreading to other parts of the state.

"I can assure the people on behalf of the government that we will do everything necessary to ensure it (violence) does not spread... We will do everything to restore calm in Kishtwar and other areas," he said.

He said the government had ordered an inquiry into Friday's violence in Kishtwar. The findings, expected in three weeks, would be made public.

"As a result of the inquiry ordered by the state government, facts will be known to people about how the situation developed and whether there are administrative lapses. Strict action will follow.

"At the same time, we will ensure that any people responsible for damage to property in Kishtwar and other areas will be brought to book, and the most severe punishment will be handed out," he said.

Two people died in Kishtwar on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.