Curfew relaxed in Jammu, but Section 144 in place

Amit Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 20

The district administration eased restrictions in Jammu on Wednesday after five days but Section 144 of the CrPC, which prohibits the gathering of four or more persons at one place remained in place.

A curfew was clamped in Jammu following violence after the Pulwama attackon February 14.

The district administration eased the restrictions on Wednesday after reviewing the situation in the city. The authorities, however, snapped mobile internet services an hour after restoring it, sensing increased activity on the social media.

Shopkeepers opened their shops and some banks and ATMs were also open, bringing some respite to the residents. Public transport remained off the roads.

A senior police officer in Jammu said the administration was closely monitoring the situation in Jammu, especially in the sensitive areas, and the curfew relaxation was being extended accordingly.

“If things remain peaceful till Thursday morning, curfew could be relaxed after reviewing the situation,” the officer said.

People were seen shopping for essentials after being caged in their homes during curfew.

The violence had started at Gujjar Nagar on Friday during a Jammu bandh following the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF men were killed.

The district administration had to impose curfew in the city and call in the Army to control the situation.