Hundreds of residents of Gundhassibhat and adjoining areas converged on the national highway after torn pages of a holy book were recovered near a place of worship in the area, police said.
It said another copy of the holy book was found in a half burnt condition. A case has been registered in Parimpora police station and investigations started, police said.
A local resident alleged that attempts were also made to set on fire a place of worship during the intervening night.
The protestors dispersed peacefully for offering Friday prayers but again raised slogans after the prayers.
Addressing a joint Press Conference, State ministers Abdul Rahim Rather and Agha Ruhullah said the incident was an attempt to create sectarian divide in the state.
"There are elements inimical to peace in the state. The people have foiled their nefarious designs so far... The government is going to deal with an iron hand with the elements responsible for such incidents," the ministers said.
Rather said the state was still reeling under the tragic destruction of 200-year-old Dastageer sahib shrine while vested interests were trying to foment further trouble.
Asked about the restrictions in the old city, the minister said it was necessary to ensure safety of life and property of the people living in these areas.
"The government cannot remain a mute spectator when some elements are trying to push the state to the brink of a crisis like that of 2010," he added.
