One-month extension to commission probing Kishtwar clashes

A one-month extension has been given by the Jammu and Kashmir government to the one-man commission probing Kishtwar communal clashes which left three persons dead and dozens others injured last month. As per a notification issued by the General Administration Department here, the government has extended the time for submission of report by the Justice (retired) R C Gandhi by a further period of 1 month.

The term of Justice Gandhi Commission has been extended till October 22, an official spokesman said on Saturday.

On August 23, the government had appointed justice Gandhi, retired judge of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, as 1 man commission of inquiry to probe Kishtwar violence and asked to submit a report within a period of 1 month.

The terms of reference for the commission include enquiring into the circumstances which led to the violence and arson and the consequent loss of life and property in Kishtwar district.

Communal clashes broke out in Kishtwar town in Jammu region on August 9, on the day of Eid, leaving three persons dead and dozens others injured. Property worth crores was set ablaze by the rival communities, forcing the government to impose curfew and seek assistance of the army in controlling the riots.

The curfew was lifted after 12 days following visit of an all party delegation and senior ministers of the state government that led to reconciliation between the two communities.