Thaindian News

Lucknow, Aug 10 (IANS) Around 50 people have been arrested in connection with a communal clash in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad city, involving Kanwariya pilgrims and locals that left 13 people injured, police said Wednesday.

The injured included two cops and the curfew that was imposed in the wake of clashes Tuesday has continued in various parts of the city.

Violence broke out in Dasarai locality late Tuesday following heated arguments between some Kanwariyas (Lord Shiva’s devotees) and local Muslims.

According to police, Tuesday’s violence is linked to a dispute between the two groups Saturday.

“On that day (Saturday), Kanwariyas wanted to take out their procession from an undeclared route, while members of the minority community were strictly against it. The Kanwariyas then resorted to arson and vandalism. We believe Tuesday’s communal clash is linked to that incident,” said a police officer, who declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Members from both communities Tuesday resorted to firing, stone-pelting and fought pitched battles with the police. A police outpost in Aslatpur area and several vehicles were also set on fire.

“Around 50 people from both the sides have been arrested. The curfew is still imposed in various areas,” Inspector General of Police (Moradabad range) M.K. Bashal told IANS on phone.

“We are continuously keeping a vigil on the trouble-torn areas. As of now, no decision has been taken about relaxing the curfew. It will continue throughout Wednesday night,” he added.

Superintendent of Police (City) Piyush Srivastava told IANS: “A deputy superintendent of police and an inspector are among those injured. Five people, including the inspector, have received bullet injuries.”

“Around four-five injured have been discharged from hospital,” he added.

Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed along with the police in parts of Bareilly to avert any untoward incident, Moradabad’s District Magistrate Sameer Verma told IANS.