More than 2000 people have taken refuge in a masjid in Bathindi area in Jammu, fearing violence from mobs.
A resident of Bhatindi, Nouman Manzoor, said, “Over 2000 people are stationed at Makkah Masjid in Bathindi right now and more people are pouring in. These people include stranded Kashmir-bound passengers and people living in sensitive zones of Jammu district.” Abdul Majid, a resident of Ganderbal district in Kashmir Valley, said, “I am part of a group comprising of around 700 people and we had gone to visit Ajmer in 15-16 buses. We returned a couple of days ago, but as the Jammu-Srinagar highway was shut, we were putting up at Narwal.”
He added, “On Friday, some miscreants came to the area and pelted stones on us. They damaged our buses and misbehaved with us. Fearing violence, we called up a deputy superintendent rank officer and asked him to help. He suggested us to go to Bathindi, and last night we came here.” Saddam Hussain, another resident of Bathindi, while talking to Greater Kashmir, said, “We have made all arrangements for the people. Around 2000 people are putting up at Mecca Masjid right now, with more pouring in from all quarters. Two langars are going on, one set up by the locals on the roadside and the other by the mosque committee.”
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir police, while quoting the director general of police, Dilbag Singh, tweeted, “Some Kashmiri people came by train today. Police facilitated their shifting and lodging at Bathindi. Entire Jammu remained peaceful during day except a minor issue at Janipur. Movement of some stranded Kashmiri people to Srinagar also being arranged. (sic)”