Temple desecration: Scattered protests in Jammu

Jammu: A few incidents of protests were on Wednesday reported in Jammu city which witnessed violence over an alleged desecration of an ancient temple even as mobile Internet services remained suspended and policemen deployed in strength to thwart any flare up.

"The situation right now is normal barring a few incidents of protests by local residents. We have deployed adequate number of police personnel," Jammu Deputy Commissioner Simrandeep Singh told PTI.

An ancient temple situated in Roop Nagar area of Jammu was desecrated by a "mentally disturbed" person yesterday triggering protests across the city.

He said that even as the mobile Internet services have been snapped, no curfew or Section 144 is in force in any part of the city.

"The situation does not warrant the imposition of curfew or Section 144 as it would create problems for the masses. The situation is restricted to one place and that too is under control and we are regularly monitoring it," Singh said.

He said if the situation remains normal, the suspension of mobile Internet services would be revoked in the evening.

Police have arrested the man who allegedly vandalized the temple and registered an FIR against him. A police officer has also been put under suspension in the wake of the incident, the DG said.

While appealing for calm, the DC said nobody would be allowed to take the law into their hands.

A huge posse of police personnel, geared with anti-riots equipment, were deployed in the area after protesters had last night set three vehicles on fire and resorted to stone pelting on police after the news of the desecration of the temple spread in the city.