Jammu:Communal violence broke out today in the curfew-bound border town of Poonch as mobs set afire 40 shops and damaged 20 other commercial establishments, after which curfew was imposed and the army staged flag marches.

A group of about 3,000 people of a particular community took out a procession from Parade Ground in the morning and pelted stones on the houses of another community at Qilla Market, Bus Stand and Parade Ground areas of the town, official sources said.

The members of the other community retaliated by pelting stones, the sources said adding police swung into action by resorting to lathicharge and firing teargas shells, they said.

The two sides fought pitched street battles for several hours during which 40 shops were set ablaze and 20 commercial establishments were damaged, they added.

About 25 people, including a dozen of policemen, were injured during the clashes.

As the situation worsened, curfew was imposed at 11am authorities called out the army which conducted flag marches in the town, the sources said and added that more security forces have been rushed to the town.

Police had fired in the air yesterday to disperse members of a community who surrounded a police station and pelted stones on it after offering Friday prayers.
Source : PTI