AIIMS row: Protests spread in Jammu, prohibitory orders clamped

Protesters on Saturday clashed with police at several places in Jammu, prompting authorities to clamp prohibitory orders in the district where a bandh was observed for the second day over the demand for setting up AIIMS in the region.

"Police resorted to cane charge and teargas shelling at four places to disperse the protesters. The situation is being brought under control. Three persons have been injured," SP, Jammu, Rajiv Pandey said, adding eight persons have been taken into custody.

Congress activists took out anti-government rallies and burnt effigies in Jammu city. Members of AIIMS Coordination Committee (ACC), which is spearheading the stir, also took out rallies in several parts of the city .

As they reached Jewel, Indra Chowk and Kachi Chawani areas, police stopped them from moving towards the BJP headquarters, resulting in clashes. Police resorted to cane-charge and teargas shelling to disperse the protesters, who indulged in stone pelting.

“Eight people have been taken into custody,” Pandey said. ACC chairman and Jammu Bar Association President Abhinav Sharma was allegedly assaulted by policeman as he led a march in Gandhinagar area.