Choudhary Baharuddin Bhatti, the district vice-president of the All Muslim Federation, Jammu, says there are no reports of any Muslims being killed in the ongoing agitation.

The Imam of Jama Masjid at Khatikan Talab, Tahir Nadir, adds: “I got calls from various places, including Kashmir, asking about attacks on Muslims. I told them that all these are rumours and we are safe here.”

Jammu Shia Federation leader Aashiq Hussain says he wants to congratulate the Hindus for maintaining communal harmony in such a charged atmosphere. “But I must caution the Government that there are some elements who want to incite communal passions in Jammu by their provocative speeches. They need to be checked,” he says.