Chemist’s Brutal Murder Sparks Mass Protests: Highways and Railways Blocked in Kathua.
||Black and White Digital News||
||Tejveer Singh June 11 2024||
The serene village of Mela in Hiranagar tehsil was thrown into turmoil last night following the gruesome murder of a local chemist. Amarjit Sharma, 35, was found dead with his throat slit near his home, sending shockwaves through the community.
Sharma’s lifeless body was discovered by his family late in the night after he failed to return home. The horrifying scene prompted immediate and intense reactions from his grieving relatives and neighbors. By morning, hundreds had gathered to express their outrage, blocking the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway and the nearby railway track near Hiranagar. The protesters, carrying Sharma’s body, disrupted the movement of both trains and vehicular traffic for several hours, demanding swift justice and the immediate arrest of the unknown culprits.
Authorities faced a formidable challenge as the angry mob refused to disperse without concrete assurances. Protesters, including a significant number of women, staged a sit-in on the railway tracks, bringing train services to a standstill. Meanwhile, another group blocked the highway at Mela Morh, causing a massive traffic jam and significant inconvenience to travelers.
The situation was eventually brought under control when senior police and civil officers, including Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, arrived at the scene. After intense negotiations, the officials assured the protesters that a thorough investigation would be conducted. They announced the formation of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) comprising police and civil administration to expedite the inquiry and bring the culprits to justice. Dr. Minhas also promised social assistance to Sharma’s family, highlighting that the deceased was the sole breadwinner.
Protesters allege that Sharma’s murder was a targeted attack due to his active opposition to anti-social activities, including bovine smuggling, which he had vocally condemned. This, they believe, made him a target for those involved in such illicit activities.
The blockage of the National Highway caused significant disruption, with passengers and commuters bearing the brunt of the protests. Normalcy was restored only after the demonstrators agreed to withdraw their dharna, following the assurances given by the authorities.
The tragic death of Amarjit Sharma has left the village of Mela in deep mourning, while the larger community grapples with the implications of such a brutal crime in their midst. The local administration has promised swift action, but the residents remain vigilant, demanding justice for a man who stood against wrongdoing and paid the ultimate price.
