Old city sitution controlled, curfew in two police station areas

Lucknow, Apr 1 (UNI) Curfew has been imposed in two police station areas of the state capital following a communal clash between two groups on the occasion of Barawafat this morning.

The trouble, which started in Musahibganj in the old city area, caused tension, prompting the authorities to impose curfew first in Thakurganj police station area and later in Chowk kotwali area as a precautionary measure.

About 20 persons were injured in the clash following which the police had to fire in the air and use teargas to disperse agitated mobs at several places during the day.

The situation was brought under control though tension prvailed in some parts, District Magistrate Ramendra Tripathi told UNI here.

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and additional police force was deployed to contain the situation, he said.

The trouble erupted during the Barawafat procession when one section of a community started pelting stones. It led to a clash between the two groups in which several people received injuries.

Later, the Milad-un-Nabi procession passed off under heavy security and the administration was trying to check spread of rumours in the state capital.

Clerics and community leaders have also come forward to calm the tempers which were running high after the clash between, while the district administration has also appealed for restraint.

UNI