Curfew relaxed for Friday prayers in riot-torn town

Adilabad, Andhra Pradesh, Oct 17 (UNI) Curfew clamped in the wake of communal clashes during an immersion procession on October 10 in Bhainsa Town of Andhra Pradesh was relaxed twice today.

The members of the minority community performed Friday prayers amidst tight security, with the authorities relaxing curfew between 1230 hrs and 1400 hrs in the riot-torn town today.

Earlier, the authorities relaxed curfew for two hours from 0900 hrs to 1100 hrs to enable people to purchase essential commodities, including milk, vegetables and medicines.

Meanwhile the police stepped up security for the Friday prayers in all the major mosques in the state, including the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad.

Police said the situation was peaceful and a decision on lifting curfew would be taken in the next few days.

The situation in Bhainsa, Nirmal and Asifabad Towns was peaceful and under control.

People stepped out of their houses during the relaxation period and purchased the essential commodities. No trouble was reported during the period, police said.

Three people were killed and 15 injured when violence broke out at Bhainsa Town in this district during an immersion ceremony.

Six people, including three children, were burnt alive on October 12 at their residence in Vottoli.

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