Communal clashes continue in Nizamabad

Nizamabad, Oct 6: Clashes continued in Nizamabad despite a strong posse of police force called in to maintain law and order in the district which witnessed clashes between two communal groups during the immersion of Goddess Durga idols.

Though the police had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144, rumours ruled the roost causing tense moments for the law enforcing authorities.

The SP of the district, Mahesh Chandra Ladda has appealed to people not to believe in rumours being spread by entrusted communal forces and resort to violence late this evening. The SP and the collector called a meeting of the peace committee comprising leaders of both communities and requested them to restrain their followers from indulging in violent activities.

However, groups of two communities indulged in stone pelting in the Gandhi chowk area of the city, forcing the police to resort to lathi charge.

Trouble started in the Bodhan town when the procession of Goddess Durga idol was objected to for passing the place of worship of another community. When the processionists insisted on taking out the procession, stones were hurled resulting in retaliation.

Soon the tension spread the four towns and 26 persons were injured in the clashes including six policemen.

Police has arrested 26 persons from both communities responsible for the clashes.

UNI