Palamu violence: Internet suspended till Feb 19 after communal clash; 1,000 police personnel deployed

The clashes started at around 8am and soon it went out of control with both sides resorting to violence, stone pelting and arson.

After a clash between two groups belonging to different communities in Jharkhand's Palamu district injured several people, including cops, suspension of all types of internet services has been extended till 10 AM of February 19.

According to reports, a clash between two groups belonging to different communities broke out in Panki over erecting a welcome gate (toran dwar) ahead of Mahashivaratri festival. While Hindus wanted the gather, it was opposed by Muslims who said the welcome gates could not be installed in front of the mosque. The Muslim mob not only pelted stones from the mosques but committed arson.

Over half a dozen people including a junior police officer and four constables were injured in brick-batting, reported news agency PTI.

Deputy Commissioner Anjaneyulu Dodde said an FIR has been registered against 145 people by name and 500 unnamed. Senior police officers including district SP Chandan Kumar Sinha are camping in Panki, where police and para-military personnel staged a flag march to inculcate confidence among the residents. Schools and markets remained closed.

Around 1000 district police and para-military personnel were deployed in the town to maintain law and order, Dodde said. All types of internet services in Palamu district had been suspended from 4 pm on Wednesday to 4 pm on Thursday. Considering the prevailing situation, the suspension was extended till 10 AM of February 19, Dodde was quoted by PTI as saying.

Inspector General (Palamu range) Raj Kumar Lakra told PTI that altogether 13 people including a former Mukhiya (Chief) of Panki West panchayat Nehal Khan were arrested so far in connection with the clash.

The situation is tense but well under control as adequate police and para-military force have been deployed in Panki, Lakra said.

Miscreants have set a cattle shed in the premises of a house on fire on Wednesday night. However, no cattle were harmed in the incident, he said. The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC since Wednesday following the incident.