Kids' squabble over kite leads to sectarian violence in Allahabad

Children of different communities squabbled over a kite-flying incident, sparking violence in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh late Wednesday, as people of the two communities pelted stones and hurled crude bombs at each other, police said.

The fracas started in the Rajrupur area of Dhoomanganj in Allahabad, after youngsters from a community had a spat with children of another community over a kite. Enraged elders soon indulged in violence and pelted stones at each other.

Over a dozen people sustained injuries.

Police soon rushed to the trouble spot and tried to scale the walls of some houses to nab the miscreants. Women folk protested at the intrusion, and the violence escalated.

Officials said the situation worsened for a while, but was quickly brought under control.

This is the second such incident of violence on the streets in the state in the past few days. In sectarian violence in Old Lucknow Wednesday during the 21st Ramadan procession, about 25 people were injured.

Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Law and Order, Arun Kumar told IANS that the situation was under control. Policemen are maintaining a close vigil. "Things are under control now and officials have been asked to keep a close watch on the whole situation," Arun Kumar said.

Five women and two children were among those injured in the violence sparked by the kite incident, officials said.