Protests across Jammu

Spontaneous demonstrations in support of Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption and later in protest against his arrest were staged throughout the day across the city here today. As the news of his detention spread, people in small  groups started coming out of their homes in support of the campaign launched by him. There were reports of protests from other tehsils and districts also. 

Several groups of people carrying banners in support of Anna Hazare and Lokpal Bill assembled at different places and staged protest demonstrations. A joint protest by several groups and individuals including RTI Sangharsh Movement, Vichar Kranti Manch, POK Refugees and Sheikh Abdul Rehman staged a protest outside the Press Club.

The Bar Association Jammu (BAJ), decided to abstain from appearing in the courts and held a dharna outside the High Court for comprehensive Lok Pal Bill to enforce accountability of the corrupt elements, even at the highest level of administration and government hierarchy.

On this occasion, president BAJ, BS Salathia said that government should not attempt to suppress the non-violent and peaceful mode airing the genuine public demand for a comprehensive Lok Pal. On this occasion general secreatry BAJ Vikram Sharma also addressed the gathering.

In the demonstration number of senior advocates were present including office bearers Adv MU Salaria vice-president BAJ, Parimoksh Seth Joint Secreatry BAJ, Sandeepa Samyal Treasures besides Advocate Rohan Nanda President YLA and Nitin Gupta General Secretary YLA were also present.

Due to work suspend by the BAJ, the work in High Court Jammu Wing and subordinate courts Janipur Court complex also suffered. 

Social activist Om Prakash Sharma and his supporters, criticised the state government for denying them the permission to hold a protest  at Satwari Chowk in support of Anna Hazare’s Amran Anshan at New Delhi. The supporters burnt the effigy of UPA government to show their resenment against the corruption.

Several supporters of Hazare blocked the traffic at Satwari Chowk on Jammu-Srinagar national highway and raised slogans against the UPA government. They lambasted the government for putting forth a ‘weak’ Lokpal Bill in Parliament without taking prime minister and judges under its ambit.

“We will intensify the protests if Anna is not released. We will court arrest in  large number as Anna is a face of the common man,” said Om Prakash Sharma, who sat on a fast-unto-death at the Satwari Chowk, holding Hazare’s picture and the tricolour.

Nirbhao Nirbhay Oraganization (NNO), also held a strong protest at Satwari Chowk against central government over the arrest of Anna Hazare. The activists burnt the effigy of UPA government.

The activists alleged that the government was saving the corrupt by not agreeing on the conditions set by Anna Hazare in the Jan Lokpal Bill. They also condemned the arrest of Anna saying that it reminded them of Emergency Days. “We demand that Anna should be released immediately. Government should tender an apology to the people of country and Anna for his arrest,” NNO president S Harjeet Singh said that very soon, the protests will pick up across Jammu city. Some protesters held placards reading: "We support Anna Hazare!"

Spontaneous demonstrations were also reported from Satwari locality, Old City areas and several other places.

Purani Mandi Shopkeeper’s Association also protested against the detention of civil society activist Anna Hazare.

In the evening, Narwal residents including women and children, held a candle march and blocked the road to show their solidarity with the campaign against corruption. Candle march was also held at Purani Mandi which passed via Old Hospital Road, City Chowk and culminated at Raghunath Mandir. Nai Basti residents in large number also held a candle march at Satwari Chowk and sang national Anthem.

In Bhaderwah, the activists of  various political parties staged a protest demonstrations in the premises of the historical Sari Bazaar and raised pro Anna and anti government slogans and also brunt the effigy of the UPA government . When the news of arrest of Anna reached at Bhaderwah,  civil society members came out of their homes and stopped traffic movement near Lakshmi Naryian Chowk where they addressed the huge gathering of the protestors which included Daya Krishan Kotwal and Masth Nath Yogi . After that they submitted memorandum to SDM Bhaderwah in his chamber demanding immediate passing of Lok Pal Bill and release of Anna .They said that arrest of Anna is unconstitutional.