Precautionary curfew reimposed in Aurangabad, Nanded

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Dec 4 (UNI) Curfew was reimposed tonight as a precautionary measure at Aurangabad and Nanded, where large scale violence erupted in protest against the desecration of Dr Babasaheb Ambekar's statue in Kanpur last week.

The curfew was re-imposed in Aurangabad from 2130 hrs till 0600 hrs tomorrow, while at Nanded from 2200 hrs to 0600 hrs tomorrow, top police officials said.

Authorities had earlier relaxed the curfew from 0600 hrs after improvement in the situation in the twin cities.

Aurangabad Police Commissioner Uddhav Kamble told UNI that the night curfew is being imposed in the city only as a precautionary measures. He said the night curfew will remain in force at least December 6 and a review will be taken on December 7 about complete lifting of the curfew, since situation in the troubled cities was nearly normal since the last two days.

Nanded District Superintendent of Police Fattesinha Patil said the situation in Nanded has improved.

Schools and colleges today re-opened in Aurangabad after a gap of three days, while markets, industrial activities and business establishments too opened after a gap of nearly four days.

One company each of the Border Security Force (BSF) has been deployed in addition to the three companies of the State Reserve Police Force in Aurangabad and Nanded respectively, police added.

The authorities clamped curfew in these cities since November 30 following widespread stone-pelting and arson by Dalit groups.

However, with considerable improvement in the situation during the last four days, the authorities had decided to lift the curfew in a phased manner.

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