Curfew relaxed in several districts, Jammu region peaceful

Curfew remained in force in Kishtwar, which witnessed communal strife recently, for the sixth consecutive day today while it was relaxed in seven other districts of Jammu region for varying periods.
No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the region and the curfew-relaxation period passed off peacefully, Divisional Commissioner Shantu Manu told reporters tonight.
Curfew would be lifted in seven districts tomorrow following improvement in the situation while it would be relaxed in the morning in violence-torn Kishtwar, he said.
The day curfew in border district of Samba was lifted today, police said adding the Army, called out to help the civil administration, had been withdrawn.

Day curfew was also withdrawn from Sunderbani border town in Rajouri district.
The curfew was relaxed for three to eight hours in Jammu (south), Rajouri, Bhaderwah, Udhampur, Reasi, Billawar, Bani, Basholi, Kathua and Sunderbani, police said.

But restrictions continued in the old city and eastern areas of Jammu, in parts of Rajouri town, at Thathri and in Gandoh area in Doda district.
No relaxation in curfew was given in Kishtwar where communal clashes broke out on August nine and spread to other districts.
Internet services for mobile phone and wi-fi users remained suspended for the fourth day today across Jammu and Kashmir.

Internet speeds for broadband services, too, were reduced with a view to checking the upload of objectionable material on social networking sites, officials said.
Three persons were killed and a total of 68 shops, seven hotels and 35 vehicles damaged during the communal violence in Kishtwar.