KATHUA: Early on Sunday morning, the jailed Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) leaders were let out of Kathua jail. Although it had not yet been formally stated, sources said that the authorities had freed the YRS leaders who had been detained in Kathua jail. They were released the day after Jammu Plains experienced a complete lockdown due to protests, during which time public transport was also suspended. Businessmen, attorneys, political party officials, and members of social organisations were among the demonstrators who staged a series of demonstrations in Kathua, Samba, and Jammu to demand the release of the YRS leaders who had been arrested as well as an end to the collection of toll taxes at Sarore. The YRS leaders’ demonstrations at Sarore against the toll fee collection from commuters, which they deemed unconstitutional in light of the different highway damage areas, ignited a series of protests in the Jammu plains. The Samba police detained the YRS protestors a few days ago as they were sitting on a dharna, suspecting that the demonstration may become a law and order issue.However, their detention triggered further protests and hunger-strike. The installation of smart meters, collection of toll tax at Sarore in Samba district and alleged inflated electricity bills has generated much heat in Jammu. The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu, J&K High Court Bar Association, various political, and non-political organisations announced a one day Jammu bandh call that remained successful on August 26, 2023. The bandh was called against toll tax collection at Sarore in Samba district, installation of smart meters and demand for the release of YRS leaders from Kathua jail. However, the protesters on hunger strike in Samba told local media that they will not call off their ongoing agitation because the toll collection has not been stopped.Today is the fourth day of hunger strike, as per one of the protesters on hunger strike in Samba. “We have to take any kind of decision while holding discussion with the decision-making body consisting of Beopar Mandal, all political parties, social organisations and general people in Samba,” the protesters said, while confirming that they have spoken to the released YRS leaders. The protesters said that they did not know the status of FIRs lodged against the released YRS leaders. “We are waiting for official word regarding Sarore Toll Plaza, and FIR status which was filed against the released YRS leaders,” the protesters in Samba said.
