The state government appointed Jammu Divisional Commissioner, Shantmanu as an inquiry officer to probe the riots. He would submit his report to the government within three weeks. The government announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the family of Arvind Kumar.

In what could embarrass the government, the large-scale arson and violence took place in spite of the presence of Minister of State for Home Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo in the town, his home constituency.

People from both the communities blamed the delayed response of the administration. “Over a dozen shops were completely damaged and 60 others were torched by mobs,” said Rafiq Khan, a local from Kishtwar. “The Minister was in Kishtwar. If he can’t protect the people in his home constituency, how can he run the affairs of the state?” he fumed.

Another local, Dinkar Sharma, told The Tribune on the phone that the curfew was not effectively imposed. “Only an announcement was made. There was no flag march even though rioters opened fire and looted shops,” he said. An Army source said the state government’s request for Army’s help came around 2.30 pm. Kishtwar deputy commissioner Mohammed Saleem said the curfew was imposed around 11 am soon after the clashes broke out at 10.30 am.

The administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr PC in the adjoining Bhaderwah town of Doda district.

• Some persons raised anti-India slogans after Eid prayers in the Kuleed area and were attacked by another section of the people
• The clashes later spread to nearby areas
• The Army finally took over the situation around 7.30 pm