Curfew after communal clash; shoot-at-sight orders in Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur, Jan 27 (UNI) Curfew was clamped on three police station areas in the city today following a communal clash here last night and shoot-at-sight orders were issued against violators.

Additional district magistrate (city) P K Agarwal said tonight, any procession in these areas has been banned. Besides, people have also been prohibited to carry arms even in non-curfew bound areas.

Curfew was imposed in Kotwali, Tiwaripur and Rajghat areas this morning.

PAC, Rapid Action Force and policemen in strength have been deployed to deal with any eventuality, Mr Agarwal added.

According to police, miscreants had opened fire at a 'baraat' procession last night, leaving three people wounded.

Some people, trying to escape the shootout, entered a moharram procession nearby, leading to a clash between the two groups.

One of the wounded persons -- Rajkumar Agrahari -- died this morning at Gorakhpur Medical College, which led to the flare-up forcing the administration to impose curfew.

Meanwhile, additional director general of police A C Sharma arrived here tonight to take stock of the situation.

UNI