Jammu: A nomad was shot dead late last night by unidentified persons in Bhaderwah tehsil of Doda District in Jammu and Kashmir, compelling the authorities to impose a curfew. Internet services have also been stopped following violent clashes between the police and protesters.

The situation became tense soon after people came to know about the killing of the nomad who has been identified as Naimul, a resident of Killa Mohallah in Bhaderwah.

Naimul and his relative had gone to Nalthi area on Bhaderhwa-Bani road when allegedly an armed group of men caught them.

“We saw a torchlight coming from the back. When we looked towards the light, someone fired from a rifle killing Naimul on the spot. He was shot in the forehead,” said the sources quoting an eyewitness.

The late-night incident caused clashes in many places between the police and public and in Bhaderwah people damaged the concerning police station and even damaged a vehicle belonging to the paramilitary forces. 

As tensions mounted, the administration imposed curfew in the communally tense tehsil and launched a massive hunt to arrest those behind the killing.

After it was revealed that a Village Defense Committee (VDC) weapon was used to kill Naimul, the majority community took to the streets.

Police fired smoke canisters to disperse the protesters who attacked the Bhaderwah Police Station and also shot some bullets in the air. To control the situation, reinforcements were called in, and at least seven to eight persons were detained for questioning by the local police.

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Meanwhile, Anjuman-e-Islamia has called for a bandh in Bhaderwah as a symbol of protest against the killing of the poor man. Anjuman leadership has accused RSS and VDC members of the killing. They have also demanded that VDCs should be disbanded.