Curfew relaxed in MP city

Indore, Jul 5 (UNI) Curfew was relaxed for three hours today in only 11 police station limits of Madhya Pradesh's commercial capital where it was clamped in the wake of communal violence during Thursday's 'Bharat Bandh' called by the Vishva Hindu Parishad over the Amarnath land allotment issue.

The relaxation, from 1600 hrs to 1800 hrs in 11 police station limits, was later extended by an hour. Curfew was not relaxed in 16 other police station areas. The administration spoke of a relaxation tomorrow morning as well.

Two days of violence claimed six lives and injured 32 here while more than 200 people were taken into custody. A case was registered in Sadar Bazaar police station against three police personnel in connection with the death of two youth in Juna Risala area yesterday.

Initially, curfew was clamped in four police station limits after Thursday's clashes between Bandh supporters and those opposing it.

As disturbances spread, the entire city was brought under curfew yesterday afternoon.

''No violence was reported during the relaxation,'' said Inspector General Anil Kumar.

Last rites of four of the deceased were performed. As the kin of one of the deceased were out of station, his funeral is likely to take place tonight. Four crude bombs were found in a bag at Kesar Pahadi 25 km from here.

Incidents of stone-pelting and arson caused heavy damage to property. The government announced Rs one lakh each ex gratia to the deceased's families, Rs 50,000 to each of the severely injured and Rs 10,000 to others hurt.

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