[Reader-list] Man attempts self-immolation for not allowing Samiti function

[Aditya Raj Kaul]

Man attempts self-immolation for not allowing Samiti function
Agencies
Posted online: September 22, 2008

Link -
http://www.kashmirlive.com/story/Man-attempts-self-immolation-for-not-allowing-Samiti-function/364463.html

*Jammu, September 22:  *A man allegedly tried to immolate himself in Jammu
on Monday protesting against government's decision not to allow a function
to pay tributes to the victims of the Amarnath agitation.

Jaswant Singh, a 35 year-old vegetable seller, sprinkled kerosene oil on his
body and set himself ablaze at his shop in the presence of dozens of people
while chanting "bum bum bholay" in Gagwal village of Kathua district,
official sources said in Jammu.

By the time people tried to douse the flames, Singh had fallen on the ground
and was immediately rushed to government medical college hospital with 70 to
80 per cent burn injuries.

About 150 people blocked traffic on Jammu-Pathankote highway after the news
spread about Singh's attempt at self-immolation, sources said.

The function was to be organised on September 20 by Shri Amarnath Yatra
Sangharsh Samiti (SAYSS), that spearheaded the two-month long agitation but
after the activist reached the venue they were told that the booking had
been cancelled.

Police baton charged the agitated people and fired in the air when some of
them tried to gatecrash.

Two people have so far committed suicide over the Amarnath land issue by
consuming poison.