Curfew clamped in two areas of Lucknow

Lucknow, Mar 3: Curfew was clamped on Aminabad and Maulviganj areas here following a communal flare-up, which claimed one life in incidents of arson and loot this afternoon, forcing the police to resort to firing.

Trouble erupted immediately after the 'Friday prayers' when an anti-Bush procession was allegedly stoned at Nazirabad in the busy Aminabad market area, an official spokesman told UNI.

Arsoning and loot soon spread to others areas under three police stations of Kaiserbagh, Aminabad and Wazirganj.

Several shops and vehicles were set afire by arsonists, who also pelted stones in some of the busy Lucknow areas.

With majority police force being deployed in the security arrangements in view of President A P J Abdul Kalam's visit later in the day, the situation turned worse within minutes leaving the handful of policemen with no option but to open fire to control the mob.

The incident also took the administration by suprise as it was busy making security arrangements for Dr Kalam.

The situation was officially described as ''very tense.''

UNI