Jaiswal takes stock of situation in riot-hit Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur, Feb 1: Union Minister of State for Home Shri PrakashJaiswal today visited riot-hit Gorakhpur for an on-the-spot study ofthe situation.

Talking to mediapersons, Mr Jaiswal appealed to the politicians to cooperate in maintaining law and order.

On being asked about the need for imposing President's rule inUttar Pradesh, Mr Jaiswal added ''at present, the need of the hour isto make things better in Gorakhpur as soon as possible.'' He assured''if required Central paramilitary forces would be deployed in thecity.'' Miscreants had opened fire at a 'baraat' procession on Fridaynight, in which over 24 people were wounded in Ismailpur under Kotwalipolice station area at Gorakhpur.

Some people, trying to escape the shootout, entered a Moharramprocession nearby, leading to a clash between the two groups. Thesituation turned tense after a wounded Raj Kumar Agrahari died atGorakhpur Medical College.

Curfew in Kotwali, Tiwaripur and Rajghat areas was imposed after acommunal clash on Friday night. Shoot-at-sight orders were issuedagainst curfew violators.

Curfew was also clamped in Gorakhnath police station area later onMonday amid violent protests following the arrest of BJP MP Yogi AdityaNath. Besides, section 144 (prohibitory orders) was imposed in otherpolice station areas. Curfew in Kushinagar had also been imposed afterthings went out of control there.

UNI

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