Muzaffarnagar: UP CM appeals for calm, says don't politicise clashes

Muzaffarnagar, Sept 15: The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who visited the riot-hit Muzaffarnagar district on Sunday appealed for calm and said clashes should not be politicised.

Akhilesh, who visited the riot- affected ares of Muzaffarnagar almost after two weeks since the clashes broke out, faced protests by the locals.

The villagers greeted him with 'black flags' and raised slogans against the "failure" of the administration in controlling the violence that has claimed 47 lives.

Yadav first visited Kawal village, where three persons were killed on August 27 over an eveteasing incident after which the clashes began.

After his visit, villagers alleged that the Chief Minister did not receive a memorandum from them and only met 'outsiders'.

However Akhilesh told reporters, "The incident was saddening..not only for those who lost their young sons but for us also. We have already appealed for peace to everyone and my government will take strict action to deal with those creating trouble."

Akhilesh Yadav faced protests by the local villagers.

Later, the Chief Minister left for Malikpura and Kandhla to meet family members of victims.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's visit comes a day before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's scheduled visit to the district for an on-the-spot assessment in the riot-hit area. The PM is also expected to discuss the situation with Akhilesh.

The Akhilesh Yadav-led SP government has been facing flak over the communal violence in Muzzafarnagar with opposition parties accusing it of trying to polarise voters.

OneIndia News

(With agency inputs)