||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh July 1,2024 ||

In Reasi, a town in Jammu and Kashmir, tensions have escalated following an incident of vandalism at the revered Shiva temple in Dharmari. The temple, a significant religious site for locals, was desecrated, leading to widespread outrage and unrest within the community.

Protests and Public Response:

In response to the vandalism, a large number of people took to the streets in Reasi to voice their anger and demand justice. Carrying flags and chanting slogans, the protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the police and administrative handling of the situation. The crowd’s chants included calls for the departure of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, echoing “SSP Reasi go back, go back.”

Recent Security Concerns:

Adding to the public’s frustration is a recent string of terrorist attacks that have targeted pilgrims in the area, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine devotees. Although the Over Ground Worker (OGW) responsible for aiding the terrorists has been arrested, the community remains on edge, fearing further threats to their safety.

Authorities’ Response:

The situation in Reasi grew more tense as the District Commissioner (DC) and SSP of Reasi arrived at the protest site. Their presence was met with hostile reactions from the crowd, who chanted anti-police and anti-administration slogans, including “DC Reasi go back, go back.” The demonstrators also called for severe punishment for those responsible for the temple desecration, with chants like “Har Har Mahadev” and “mandir todne walo ko goli maro.”

Political and Administrative Standpoint:

Notably absent from the scene were any political leaders, indicating that the protest was primarily driven by local residents, many of whom were youth from the surrounding areas of Reasi town. Despite the ongoing investigation and several arrests made by the police, the administration has yet to issue an official statement addressing the community’s concerns.

Current Situation:

As of now, the atmosphere in Reasi remains charged with tension. The local authorities are under scrutiny for their handling of both the vandalism case and the broader security issues plaguing the region. The community’s trust in the administration is clearly shaken, as evident from the large-scale protests and the vocal demands for accountability and action. The authorities are expected to address these grievances promptly to restore peace and order in Reasi.