Srinagar, February 16: As protests against Pulwama terror attack turned violent, leading to the imposition of curfew in some areas, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Saturday held a high-level meeting to review law and order situation in the state. During the meeting, Governor Satya Pal Malik directed the police to take strict action against those who indulge in violence and spread fake news or rumours.

According to news agency ANI, Malik directed the police to take strict action without mercy against those indulging in any type of violence, arson or rumour mongering irrespective of their political and religious affiliation. Tension mounted against a particular section of the society in Jammu city in the wake of Pulwama terror attack. Curfew, initially imposed in some areas, was later extended to the entire city as violent protests spread. Pakistan Violates Ceasefire in Rajouri Two Days After Pulwama Attack, One Jawan Injured.

Curfew continued without any relaxation for the second consecutive day on Saturday. On Friday, miscreants torched some vehicles and damaged several others carrying number plates of Kashmir Valley in protest against the Pulwama terror attack. The Army was called to assist the civil administration to restore order in the city. The police also warned of stern action against rumour-mongers using social media to stoke passions. Jammu And Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Admits Intelligence Failure, Says ‘We Are Fault Also’.

Suspension of mobile internet services, which began on Friday, continued on Saturday as well, even as authorities said the situation was returning to normal. The speed of fixed-line broadband connections has also been lowered to prevent any form of amplification of the situation given that anti-social elements could upload inflammatory pictures and comments on social media to disturb peace in the city.

Protests erupted after 40 CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was targeted on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Soon after, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which is based in Pakistan and backed by the Pakistani administration, claimed responsibility for the attack.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 16, 2019 08:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).