Communal clashes in Saharanpur, 2 killed

Police used force and fired rubber bullets to control the situation as mobs went on a a rampage setting ablaze a number of shops

Two persons were killed and at least 12 others injured as violent clashes broke out between two communities over a land dispute in this western Uttar Pradesh district on Saturday. Mobs indulged in brick batting and arson, prompting the authorities to clamp curfew.

“Harish Kochar, a traders’ leader, and an unidentified person have been killed in the clashes. A policeman sustained bullet injury and is in a serious condition,” Saharanpur, Commissioner Tanveer Zafar Ali said.

Police used force and fired rubber bullets to control the situation as mobs went on a rampage setting ablaze a number of shops.

He said prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC have been invoked in the district and curfew has been clamped in six areas.

Tension prevailed in the district and a large contingent of security personnel including those of police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed in the area and paramilitary forces have also been called.

"As per the information received so far there was a dispute over land between two communities which escalated this morning," Additional Director General of Police (law and order) Mukul Goel told PTI.

The trouble started when members of one community started construction work at the site in Kutubsher area in the wee hours this morning, which was objected to by the other group.

Even as curfew has been clamped, sporadic incidents of clashes were reported.

The ADG said senior officers were camping in the area.

Saharanpur is nearly 170 km from national capital Delhi and 560 km from state capital Lucknow. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to ensure communal harmony, and offered him all help to contain the situation.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to ensure communal harmony, and offered him all help to contain the situation.