Jammu, Oct 9 (IANS): A shutdown on Friday to protest alleged bovine slaughter affected life in three towns in Jammu region, with protestors attempting to block the busy Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

Shops, educational institutions, public transport and other businesses remained closed in Udhampur, Reasi and Chenani towns of Jammu region, following the protest shutdown called by Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) against alleged bovine slaughter.

Some JKNPP activists tried to block the Jammu-Srinagar national highway at Udhampur on Friday, but police restored traffic, a senior police officer told IANS here.

Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in Udhampur, Chenani and Reasi towns to maintain law and order, and prevent anti-social elements from stoking communal passions.

Tension gripped the entire Udhampur and Reasi districts on Thursday evening when rumours spread that bovines were slaughtered in Chenani town.

Authorities immediately reached the spot where three carcasses were found.

Shahid Choudhary, district magistrate (DM) Udhampur, confirmed to reporters that the animals did not have any cuts inflicted by a sharp-edged weapon.

Choudhary also said veterinary surgeons had carried out post-mortem examination of the carcasses and the preliminary report said the animals died due to poisoning.

The official said some dead crows were found near the carcasses which indicate the animals had died due to poisoning.

As a precautionary measure, authorities suspended mobile Internet services here for sometime on Thursday to prevent anti-social elements from spreading rumours.