BeyondHeadlines Staff Reporter
Moradbad (UP): Curfew was imposed in parts of Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh after a communal clash with Kanwariya, Hindu pilgrims.
The clash left 13 injured, including two policemen.
According reports, on Tuesday evening violence broke out in the Dasarai locality after altercation between Kanwariya – devotees of Lord Shiva – and local Muslims over the route of the procession.
News Agency IANS quoted an anonymous police officer saying, “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 had then resorted to arson and vandalism. We believe Tuesday’s communal clash is linked to that earlier incident only.”
Moradabad is a communally charged area and there have been frequent reports of tensions.
On July 6 after Police allegedly desecrated the Muslim religious book during their raid in the village of Bagha Mainather (Dingarpur), villagers had gathered outside the police station and clashed with the police. Villagers have accused the police of brutally beating many youths and detaining many.
In February, earlier this year, on the occasion of Eid Miladun Nabi – birth anniversary of Prophet Muhamamd – also there were reports of communal clashes over a procession.
Both sides retorted to firing, stone-pelting and also clashed with police. Several police vehicles were also set ablaze.
“A deputy superintendent of police and an inspector are among those injured. Five people, including the inspector, have received bullet injuries. The condition of all of them is stated to be out of danger,” Superintendent of Police (City) Piyush Srivastava told a news agency.
Curfew has been imposed in areas under six police stations.
