MLA Rasheed demands judicial probe into Samba killing

Independent MLA Engineer Rasheed today sat on a dharna here demanding a judicial probe into the death of a man in firing during an anti-encroachment drive in Samba.
Led by Rasheed, over 10 persons sat on a dharna before the front gate of the Civil Secretariat and raised slogans against the police and the government.
"We demand booking police officials involved in the incident...We demand judicial probe into the death of a Gujjar in the firing. People should be punished for the killing," Rasheed told reporters here today.
They were protesting the killing of Mohmmad Yaqoob (28), belonging to Gujjar community, in firing yesterday during an anti-encroachment drive by Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and police in Sarore belt.

The anti-encroachment team was allegedly attacked by members of the Gujjar community. In the ensuing clash, 10 persons, including 7 policemen, were injured in stone-pelting.
"This land grabbed by Gujjars is not the only case here. There are ministers, top officials and police officers who have grabbed huge chunks of government and forest lands in Jammu. What action has been taken against them?," the MLA said.

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Meanwhile, members of the Gujjar community blocked the Jammu-Pathankot national highway for several hours to protest the killing of the youth.
"Gujjar protesters blocked the Jammu-Pathankot highway for several hours today, disrupting traffic. The situation remained tense but was under control," a police officer said.

Senior officials from police and district administration later placated the protesters and convinced them to lift the blockade.