Shah's Sasaram visit off as Sec 144 imposed after Ram Navmi violence

Union Home minister Amit Shah's visit to Sasaram in Bihar's Rohtas district has been cancelled in view of imposition of Section 144 following the communal violence.

"Union Home minister Amit Shah was supposed to come to Sasaram for an event. As Bihar govt imposed Sec 144 we have to cancel the event. How can we hold an event like this?" ANI quoted Bihar BJP chief Samrat Chaudhary in a tweet.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manoj Kumar ordered imposition of Section 144 on Friday afternoon after re-eruption of clashes, which first broke out the previous evening.

The Bihar cops have arrested over 20 people following a clash between two groups in Nalanda district during a Ram Navami procession on March 21. The authorities have imposed Section 144 in the district as well as Sasaram which also reported a clahs on Friday.

"Police are patrolling the area, and are on alert. We're maintaining peace. Over 20 people were arrested. Eight people were injured and three sustained bullet injuries. People should not believe rumours. The situation under control now," Mishra told ANI.

In Nalanda, miscreants pelted stones and set around half a dozen vehicles ablaze on the 10th day of Ram Navami celebrations near Gagan Diwan under the Laheri Police Station area in Biharsharif, according to a report.

In Bihar Sharif, which falls in the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Section 144 was imposed after clashes in areas like Gagan Deewan, Mansoor Nagar and Nabi Nagar left more than 10 people injured and over a dozen vehicles and shops gutted.

"We appeal to the people to stay calm. We are also examining CCTV footages to identify and bring to book trouble makers", said Nalanda District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar.