Curfew imposed in Khandwa

Khandwa, MP, Apr 11 (UNI) Curfew has been clamped from today up to 1230 hrs on April 13 here in western Madhya Pradesh as a precautionary measure after stoning of a Milad-un-Nabi procession today.

District Magistrate Nikunj Srivastava said the situation was under control and no untoward incident has been reported.

Keeping in view annual examination, students and their guardians will be allowed to reach examination centres along with their vehicles.

Besides, officials had been given special permission to reach offices, an official release said here today.

Special cases like a death procession or ambulance will be permitted.

However, the district magistrate has directed strict action to be taken against those breaking rules during curfew.

Earlier, the procession, which was taken out from Imlipura locality, was targetted by members of a certain community when it reached Jawahar Chowk. The agitated processionists also retaliated and pelted stones at the attackers.

''Earlier, a Mahavir Jayanti procession peacefully passed along the same route. However, in the rush some women and children got separated from the main procession,'' Mr Srivastava told UNI.

Prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC were initially imposed and tear gas shells lobbed to disperse the mob.

Curfew was clamped as a precautionary measure apprehending further violence as a few handcarts were overturned during the melee. Shutters of shops and other commercial establishments were downed in sheer panic.

A heavy police 'bandobust' was in place and senior officers were maintaining a stern vigil on the situation.

UNI Team SS RAI2226