Curfew was clamped in Rajouri town of Jammu and Kashmir today and the army was called in to defuse tension over burning of terror outfit Islamic States's flag by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which minority groups claimed bore religious scripture.

Clashes were reported in parts of the old city area as Muslim youths, while defying curfew, pelted stones at policemen. About 15 people, who were defying the curfew, have been arrested, District Magistrate of Rajouri, Deepti Uppal, said, adding that the situation was being brought under control.

The army was also called and it carried out flag march late this afternoon. "Restrictions under Section 144 of CrPc was imposed in the town for banning of assembly of four or over four persons, but still people are trying to violate the restrictions and it has become necessary to impose curfew restrictions in the town," the DM said.

The situation is tense but under control after reports of burning of IS flag by some VHP activists some days ago, police officials said. Muslims in Rajouri have threatened to hold protests and 'bandh' if the police do not arrest the VHP and Bajrang Dal activists for burning the flag bearing Quranic verses.

Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh has appealed for calm from both the communities. "There should be no communal tension. We appeal to both the communities to observe calm," he told reporters. But Singh ruled out arrest of VHP activists. "As far as the setting afire the IS flags is concerned, it is a terrorist outfit symbol," he added. "Is it possible? Burning of the symbol of terrorists and anti-national elements is the work of nationalism."