Public Outrage Mounts at Deharan and Bawe Talab; Leaders Threaten Statewide Agitation if Justice Delayed
jj correspondent
Jammu, August 10: Public anger continues to surge across Jammu following the recent violent attack on journalists Atul Sudan and Ashwani Bhardwaj, with large-scale protests held on Sunday at Deharan and Bawe Talab Ring Road. Protesters demanded immediate arrest of the attackers and accused the police of inaction and negligence.
At Deharan, the protest was spearheaded by Arjun Singh, President of Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena, who strongly condemned the assault and held the administration accountable for failing to protect journalists.
“This is not just an attack on two individuals but a direct strike on the fourth pillar of democracy,” said Arjun Singh. “If the attackers are not booked under the Public Safety Act and dealt with sternly, it will embolden criminals to silence the truth. The administration must act before public anger escalates beyond control.”
Simultaneously, a massive protest at Bawe Talab Ring Road was organised by the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, under the leadership of Rakesh Bajrangi, President of Jammu and Kashmir Rashtriya Bajrang Dal.
“Journalists put their lives on the line to expose corruption and anti-national activities,” he said. “This attack is an attack on the voice of truth. We demand immediate arrests and strict legal action. If justice is delayed, we will launch an intensified, statewide agitation.”
Both leaders slammed the perceived apathy of law enforcement agencies, warning that the rise in lawlessness would not be tolerated. They called on the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to ensure a fair investigation, invoke attempt to murder charges, and seize properties acquired illegally by the accused.
The protests witnessed strong participation from locals and prominent members of civil society. Among those present were Koushal Sudan (President, Jammu Grameen Rashtriya Bajrang Dal), Sandokh Singh (President, Nagrota Rashtriya Bajrang Dal), along with Varinder Singh, Sahil Chib, Rahul Dutta, Bahadur Singh, Krishan Manhas, Surjeet Singh, Ankit, Sourav Singh, Nitin Choudhary, and many others who pledged full support to the ongoing agitation until justice is delivered.
