Uneasy calm in Nizamabad; 26 arrested from both communities

Nizamabad, Oct 5 (UNI) An Uneasy calm prevailed today in this communally sensitive district, which witnessed pitched battles between two communities during the procession of Goddess Durga.

Police said 26 people from both communities were arrested for the clashes in Bodhan, Nizamabad, Kamareddy and Kotagiri towns, in which 26 people, including six policemen, were injured.

Inspector V Ravi Kumar of Bodhan town, which witnessed the worst clash, told UNI the situation was fully under control. Six companies of additional forces were summoned from nearby districts and deployed in all sensitive towns.

Prohibitory orders imposed under Section 144 throughout the district yesterday were being continued today as a precaution.

Trouble broke out in Bodhan town when the Durga idol was being taken in procession for immersion. A particular community objected to the procession passing their place of worship. Soon the groups hurled stones at each other. Police who tried to quell the mob by resorting to lathi charge, opened fire in the air to control it.

The District Collector and RDO today called members of the peace committee and held a meeting.

Police said since morning there was no untoward incident anywhere in the district.

UNI BR/JRK AA RL KN2032