Rajnath Singh speaks to PM, Sushma to Omar on Kishtwar clashes

Expressing concern over communal clashes in Jammu and Kashmir`s Kishtwar, BJP sought Prime Minister Minister Manmohan Singh`s intervention to ensure security for the minority community in the state.

New Delhi: Expressing concern over communal clashes in Kishtwar town of Jammu and Kashmir, BJP on Friday sought Prime Minister Minister Manmohan Singh`s intervention to ensure security for the minority community in the state. BJP President Rajnath Singh talked to the Prime Minister over telephone regarding the outbreak of violent clashes in Kishtwar district and demanded enhanced security in the area to bring the situation under control.

"The Prime Minister assured me that the situation would be quickly brought under control as the army has been called out in Kishtwar," Rajnath Singh said on twitter. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also called up Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and said the Army was conducting a flag march and more forces were being sent to the affected area. "Chief Minister J&K has telephoned me to inform that army flag march is on and more forces are reaching Kishtwar," Swaraj said. Curfew was imposed and Army called out in Kishtwar district following clashes between people belonging to two communities that left at least 15 people injured. BJP spokesperson Sudanshu Trivedi told reporters that the Prime Minister assured the BJP President that all effective measures will be taken to control the situation. "Our information is that the situation is still not fully under control. The Prime Minister has assured our party President that all steps will be taken to prevent this communal situation from flaring up," Trivedi said. "We have received information that communal harmony was disturbed in the area due to some events that took place at around 9 am. Though curfew was imposed by the state government, it does not appear to be effective," Trivedi said. Swaraj spoke to Omar Abdullah, following which the Chief Minister called her and said the army has been deployed. "This requires immediate attention. This is very disturbing. I have checked up Kishtwar. Many injured. Houses and shops burnt. Please do something immediately," Swaraj told Abdullah in a series of tweets. "I am not referring to any side. Every person injured there is a Hindustani. I have spoken to people there. The situation is bad. Please rush enough people forces and save people," Swaraj requested the chief minister. She also reiterated that she would not bypass the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir on the matter as law and order is a state subject. PTI