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Curfew in Saharanpur after three killed in communal clashes Saharanpur, July 26 Members of two communities came to blows over construction of a hall on a religious place, prompting authorities to impose curfew in areas falling under six police stations. It is learnt that the trouble began after members of one community started constructing a hall on the premises of Singh Sabha Gurdwara on the Ambala Road last night. Thereafter, around two dozen members of the rival group reached the spot around 3 am and forcibly stopped the work by hurling stones at those constructing the hall. Both sides indulged in heavy brick batting, arson and set a fire station ablaze. The mobs went on rampage looting around 40 shops on the Ambala Road and later setting them afire. Besides, several vehicles were also set ablaze. The police cane-charged those creating ruckus and used tear gas to disperse them. Later, many people hurled stones at the Kutubsher police station, situated near the gurdwara. As the news of riots spread, more than 1,000 people took to streets in various parts of the city to protest against the construction. The rioters claimed that the land on which the gurdwara was situated belonged to the other community and the construction was being done to usurp the land belonging to the Wakf Board. In a joint press conference, District Magistrate Sandhya Tiwari and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar Pandey confirmed that three persons were killed in the violence. One of the deceased has been identified as Harish, while the other two, one of whom is around 16 years old, could not be identified. The two officers also confirmed that 24 persons, including a constable and two jawans of home guard, received injuries. The DM said the construction at the religious place was illegal and was being carried out without getting the map of the site passed. The SSP said the armed miscreants had opened uncontrolled fires and 12 persons had been arrested in this regard. He said curfew was imposed in the areas of six police stations, including Kutubshear, Mandi, City Kotwali, Sadar and Janakpuri. Seven battalion of different forces, including CRPF, had been deputed in the city. Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in the sensitive areas of Dehradun and Haridwar bordering Saharanpur district of Western UP. Amit Sinha, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Garhwal Range, directed Senior Superintendents of Police of Dehradun and Haridwar to beef up security in sensitive areas and keep a close vigil on the “mischievous” elements. Ajaib Singh, member of the National Commission for Minorities, has sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh Government with regard to the clashes. Singh, who talked to the Commissioner and other officials of Saharanpur, said he had urged them to make adequate arrangements for the safety of the minority community in Saharanpur. Rajnath dials Akhilesh
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked UP CM Akhilesh Yadav to ensure communal harmony in the state. Singh called up Yadav and expressed concern over the clashes. The Home Minister also conveyed to the CM that the Central Government would provide all assistance, including paramilitary forces, to the state. Rahul appeals for calm
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi expressed shock at the communal clashes and appealed for calm. He said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of clashes. Violence, divisiveness and hatred have no place in our country. This politics of hatred must end. I appeal to everyone to remain calm and refrain from fanning communal passions.”
Moradabad: Many BJP and Congress leaders were detained in connection with separate protests regarding the recent incidence of violence in Kanth. BJP leaders were detained in the party's bid to hold protests seeking an FIR against a Moradabad cop. Congress leaders were detained when they were on their way to Moradabad to hold a 'peace march'.
— PTI
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