Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have expressed concern over the reports of violence and arson in Jammu division in the aftermath of Pulwama militant attack that left 49 CRPF personnel killed.

“If the security forces & the administration’s attention is shifted to dealing with communal violence in #Jammu instead of investigating yesterday’s attack & preventing further attacks who are we helping with the arson & violence?”

“Have been in touch with J&K police officials regarding the situation in #Jammu. I’ve been assured that two columns of army have been requisitioned & moved to the most vulnerable areas to take control of the situation.

“It should never have been allowed to reach this point. Preemptive measures should have been taken this morning knowing that it is Friday & congregations would assemble for prayers. I hope the situation is now defused without further loss,” Omar said in a series of tweets.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti tweeted: “It will be a travesty & against the spirit of our secular ethno-cultural values to use this terror attack as an excuse to target minorities. Hour of the need is to show compassion & come together.

“Distressed to hear about miscreants in Jammu trying to take advantage of the situation by inciting tension. Guv adm should have preempted this by securing minority dominated areas. Have spoken to IG Jammu to deploy additional security,” Mehbooba tweeted.

The mobsters in Jammu have torched several vehicles and vandalised many others following the killing of CRPF personnel.