An ancient temple along with two houses belonging to members of minority community were gutted in mysterious fire in the wee hours of Tuesday in Mughal Maidan area of Kishtwar, triggering tension in the Kishtwar town and other adjoining areas in the region.
Business establishments owned by minority community downed their shutters in main markets of the area as a mark of protest while large number of people who had gathered in the temple premises demanded strict action against the miscreants who tried to trigger communal tension in the already volatile region of the State.
No one was injured in the mysterious fire as all the occupants rushed out of their houses in time while the temple premises were gutted completely in mysterious fire.
The incident, according to local police took place between 3.00 to 4.00 am on Tuesday.
First two houses belonging to Malal Chand and Rajesh Kumar caught fire and later an ancient temple of Mehar Devta, located 600-700 metres away from these houses, was also set on flames.
The authorities apprehended mischief behind the mysterious fire inside the ancient temple as it was not connected with any power supply.
Complete bandh was witnessed by local population in Bhaderwah and Doda as well on the call given by Sanatam Dharam Sabha.
Sensing the mood of the local population local BJP legislator, Sunil Sharma, a junior minister in the council of Ministers rushed to the spot along with IGP Jammu Zone Danish Rana to cool down the tempers.
Sharma announced Rs 1 lakh for construction of temple, construction of two burnt house under IAY scheme. IGP Danish Rana also announced constitution of SIT and regular police guard at temple.