Anti-American protests staged in Jammu

JAMMU - Muslims Friday held anti-American protests across Jammu region to give vent to their anger against the alleged desecration of the Quran in Florida, US, last week.

“Down with America”, “Down with imperialism” were the slogans raised at different mosques after the Friday prayers.

However, the protests were held within the places of worship.

Major protests were held at the Jamia Masjid in the heart of the walled city of Jammu, where the desecration of the Quaran was denounced and the speakers threatened the United States of an Islamic backlash if the culprits were not punished.

There was heavy deployment of police forces around Muslim localities in Jammu.

“So far, we have not got any report of any untoward incident,” a police officer said.

Five people were killed in the border town of Mendhar, 210 km north of Jammu, Wednesday when the protesters turned violent and attempted to set afire a Christian missionary school. The army had to be called in and curfew was imposed to keep the situation under control.

Also, 16 people were killed across the Kashmir Valley Monday during protests triggered by reports that the Quran was desecrated in the US.