Lucknow, March 3
Anti-Bush protests flared up into communal violence leaving at least four dead and 13 seriously injured. Property, shops and vehicles were damaged during arson in major shopping areas laying hollow the administration’s claim of preparedness to tackle the protesters.
Violence started after the Friday prayers when anti-Bush protesters got into an argument with shopkeepers in Maulviganj over downing of shutters. When some shopkeepers refused to oblige, stone throwing started. Soon a huge mob appeared on the scene and within seconds, the situation got out of control.
An umbrella organisation under the banner of Mohammadi Mission had declared to observe ‘Yaume Baddua’ (Ill-wishes day) after the Friday prayers to protest against Bush’s visit. A protest march was to start from Machchli Mohal, cross Phool Bagh, Burlington Crossing and culminate with a demonstration in front of the Vidhan Sabha.
However, violence spread to the adjoining crowded shopping complex of Aminabad - Nazirabad and then to Latouche Road from where the first casualty was reported. A teenage boy named Shalu was
killed
by bullet injures. The family kept the body on Qaiserbagh Chauraha demanding action. Heavy stone throwing was witnessed at Qaiserbagh Chauraha, Lal Bagh and even near Basant Cinema in the Hazratganj area. Shop owners immediately shut shop to avoid further damage. Later, there was a flag march in the main Hazratganj road.
At least, a dozen seriously injured persons were admitted to the Trauma Centre at the medical college and Balrampur Hospital.
While the police did open fire to disperse the crowd near Aminabad and Qaiserbagh, it was clear that they were far outnumbered by the huge mobs prowling the streets and setting fire to shops, overturning ‘thelas’, setting vehicles afire and indulging in arson.
Home Secretary Alok Sinha while rushing to the airport to see off President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who was in town to inaugurate a private heart hospital, confirmed the death of one person. Former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee also attended the function. A large police contingent was on VIP duty while the city was burning.
Sinha said that he did not have the details by the IG and SSP who were on the spot. Four companies of PAC and RAF have been requisitioned. Curfew was not officially imposed till 8 pm.
District Magistrate O.P. Tripathi who could be seen on the street near Qaiserbagh described the situation as “tense but under control”. SSP Ashutosh Pandey was seen dispersing the mobs which were still visible on the road till late evening.
