Senior separatist leader and head of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Shabir Shah was manhandled by activists of the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu on Thursday.
Reports said BJP workers stormed into a local hotel where Mr. Shah was addressing a press conference. Witnesses said they forced their entry and vandalised furniture while shouting slogans against Mr. Shah and other separatists. They said anti-India talk would not be tolerated. Even as the activists created a ruckus, police intervened and whisked them away. Five activists were reportedly arrested for breach of peace.
“They attacked me and showed how tolerant they are. But people present showed them the way,” Mr. Shah said. He urged U.S. President Barack Obama to intervene and facilitate a dialogue among India, Pakistan and Kashmiris, who he said, “are the principal party to the dispute.”
