Centre stays away

Even as Jammu continues to be under siege by protestors demanding reinstatement of land to the Amarnath Shrine Board, the Centre has decided to maintain silence and keep a hands-off approach for the time being.

Despite the state being under President’s rule, the Home Ministry is of the view that any direct intervention by the Centre would only aggravate the situation, sources said.

So while the Centre was keeping a close watch on the protests in Jammu and some other towns, it has instructed Governor N N Vohra to do all that he can to bring the situation under control. Sources said that some groups were deliberately keeping the tension alive as the state elections were approaching.