Jammu, July 27
Even as the protesters defied curfew, which was re-imposed after a day of clashes, to stage violent protests in the winter capital, the police today arrested top leaders of the outfits agitating over the Amarnath land row.

Over 20 persons, including some policemen, sustained injuries in the violent clashes that took place in the city. After exercising restraint yesterday, the police also acted tough against those defying the curfew today.

The police arrested Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti convener Leela Karan Sharma, state BJP president Ashok Khajuria, state VHP president Ramakant Dubey, Jammu Bar Association president B.S. Salathia, Mayor Kavinder Gupta and former Union minister Prof Chaman Lal Gupta to foil their attempt to hold a ceremony for paying tributes to Kuldeep Dogra, who reportedly committed suicide few days back.

The samiti, which is spearheading the agitation, had decided to observe Sankalp Diwas as a tribute to Dogra today. 

A large number of people started gathering at Parade since morning for the event. Apprehending violence during the tribute paying ceremony, a heavy contingent of the police reached the spot and arrested Samiti convener Sharma along with his supporters. 

Sharma was reportedly thrashed by the police. While the ceremony could not take place, the protesters, who were engaged in pitched battles with the police since morning, turned more violent following Sharma’s arrest. 

The police then resorted to lathicharge and tear gas shells to disperse the agitators. Violent protests were also reported from Pacca Danga, Rehari and Purani Mandi. The protesters also converged on the Jammu-Poonch highway and burnt the effigies of Governor N.N. Vohra and NC chief Omar Abdullah. 

There was heavy deployment of the police, CRPF and Rapid Action Force personnel in sensitive areas to avoid any untoward incident. 

Deputy commissioner Mandeep K. Bhandari said the curfew has been indefinitely relaxed in southern areas of the city and in the nearby rural areas. 

However, it would continue to remain in force in the violence-hit areas of the city.