Srinagar:Terming the rioting and arson in Jammu as a result of government’s free hand to “a handful of goons”, the Kashmir Economic Alliance on Saturday said the police must act tough against such criminals.

In a statement, the chairman of KEA, Yasin Khan said the way police was seen acting mute towards the rioters in Jammu conveys that iron hand is meant only for peace-loving Kashmiris.

“In Kashmir, pellets are fired on innocents as young as infant Hiba, but in Jammu, rioters are given a free hand only because they apparently enjoy blessings of some politicians,” Khan said.

“It is the duty of the government to ensure the safety of the people regardless of the community or region they represent,” Khan said.

He appealed the people of Jammu and Dogra community, in particular, to uphold the values of communal harmony and be united with the people of Kashmir in these testing times to give a befitting reply to the goons.