AP CM to visit riot-hit town Bhainsa, curfew on

Adilabad, Oct 16: The curfew clamped in the wake of communal clashes in Bhainsa town during an immersion procession on October ten, was extended for the sixth day today after a hut belonging to a member of a particular minority community was torched by miscreants at Kankapur village.

Police said investigation was on into the burning down of a hut belonging to a member of the particular minority by miscreants.

Earlier in the day, the authorities relaxed curfew for two hours for the people to purchase essential commodities including milk and vegetables.

Ahead of his visit to the riot-torn town, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy after a review meeting in Hyderabad announced an exgratia of Rs five lakhs to the next of kin of the deceased in Vottoli. The exgratia would be extended to those killed in Bhainsa also if they were proved innoncent.

Meanwhile, Pradesh Congress president D Srinivas told mediapersons that the clashes could have been averted had the police been proactive.

Reviewing the situation with senior officials, the Chief Minister also announced that for the people who lost their property in the violence in Bhainsa, up to Rs 50,000 would be compensated in full and above Rs. 50,000, seventy five per cent loss would be compensated with a maximum ceiling of Rs 4 lakhs, according to an official release.

In view of the curfew clamped in the area, one month ration will be given (20 kg rice, 1 kg dal and 1 litre palm oil) as per the eligibility.

The Chief Minister announced that a team consisting of Additional DGP (law and order) A K Khan, and Additional DGP (CBCID), Shiv Narayana had already been sent to the spot to enquire into the dereliction of duty on the part of the policemen and they would submit the report immediately. The DGP has been asked to form six investigation teams into the incident.

The Chief Minister who heard with rapt attention all the explanations and demands of the minority elders and leaders who attended the meeting said, ''It is a very unfortunate incident that happened in Vatoli and Bhainsa. Let me make it very clear that due to circumstances beyond my control, I could not so far visit the spot. However, I am going there tomorrow.'' ''I assure you all that the guilty will be traced and will be punished however mighty they may be. Let there be no doubt about this. We are very firm on that. There is no question of any perpetrator of these types of heinous crime be allowed to escape.

We shall trace them and punish them,'' he said.

''The minorities, especially the Muslims will be safe in Andhra Pradesh. There is no need for any apprehension regarding this.

Minorities will be safe here. The government is duty-bound to protect their life and properties. I assure you this. There is no question of any violence or attacks on minorities being allowed in the State and any such attempts will be firmly dealt with and such attempts will be put down with an iron hand'', he added.

UNI