Shutdown over AIIMS in Jammu

Jammu: Life was disrupted here on Wednesday by a protest shutdown called by traders and lawyers to press for setting up of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the region.

Markets, public transport and other businesses and educational institutions remained closed here because of the shutdown called by the coordination committee of local traders, transporters and lawyers.

Attendances in government offices, banks and post offices were also affected as no public transport was available in the city.

The shutdown was total in the old city areas while some skeletal transport plied on the peripheral roads of Jammu city.

Authorities deployed security forces in full riot gear to maintain law and order.

Jammu University announced postponement of all exams scheduled for the day. A statement from the university said the exams were being re-scheduled and fresh dates would be soon announced.

The coordination committee has demanded an AIIMS be established in the Jammu region and is also protesting the state government's decision to abandon the city's artificial lake project.

The Jammu Bar Association, chamber of commerce and industry and local transporters' association have joined hands to form the coordination committee.