Jammu: Several BJP leaders Tuesday courted arrest with scores of others over demands for a special economic package for people dwelling along the International Border (IB) in Jammu region.
Among those arrested at the conclusion of a three-day dharna in favour of those living near the IB in Chachwal in Kathua district were the BJP`s National Executive Member and Chief Spokesperson for J&K, Dr Jitendra Singh, and the party`s state president and MLA, Jugal Kishore Sharma.
The dharna was being led by senior BJP leader, Thakur Ranjit Singh.
Also arrested were the party`s state General Secretary Rajiv Jasrotia, state spokesperson Sanjiv Sharma, and several prominent party activists.
The dharna was held in support of the demand for a special economic package for regions lying on the International Border.
It also sought removal of discrimination for the people there in recruitment to the central security forces, and called for infrastructural improvements in the power and water supply situation.
The protesters also demanded payment of compensation for being denied access to their fields and lands lying beyond the border fencing.
Speaking on the occasion, Sharma alleged that the state government was denying benefits to these people which it routinely provided to the people living near the LoC on account of its sectarian bias.
PTI
