Jammu, July 23: Normal life was affected by the Jammu bandh, called by several socio-political organisations today to protest the killings of Vaishno Devi pilgrims on Monday and increased terrorist activity, but it passed off peacefully. Normal life was affected in the winter capital and the towns of Kathua, Hiranagar and some parts of Doda district in Jammu division due to the bandh called by Panthers Party, BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and National Conference and supported by some trade organisations.

In Jammu city, shops and commercial establishments remained closed in most areas and commercial transport was off the roads, official sources said adding attendance in government offices and other public sector undertakings was thin due to non-availability of transport. Inter-district traffic was also affected.

A group of Panthers Party activists burnt an effigy of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and raised slogans against Pakistan for sending armed ultras to foment trouble in Jammu and Kashmir.

An activist of the party was injured when he tried to stop some vehicles, the sources said. However, there was no other untoward incident reported from areas where the bandh was observed, they added.

Bureau Report