Union minister assures special RAF for Haryana region

Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh here Thursday assured that the Centre would extend all help to the communal violence-hit Mewat region in Haryana, including special deployment of RAF personnel.

Rao Inderjit Singh, who is minister of state (independent charge) for Planning, Statistics and Programme Implementation besides Defence, told a a mahapanchayat (community meeting) in Pathredi village, some 40 km from here, that: "We are concerned after incidents in Tauru and Punhana. I will speak to Home Minister Rajnath Singh and will put in efforts for special RAF in Mewat."

He was Tuesday not allowed to visit Tauru, some 40 km from here, where communal violence broke out Sunday after a truck mowed down two youths on a bike, killing one of them on the spot.

Later, a mob thrashed the truck driver and his assistant, from one community.

Members of the community then pelted stones and damaged business outlets of the other community after a rumour spread that the duo were beaten to death.

Police fired blanks to control the mob, but nearly a dozen people, including some policemen, were injured in the clash.

Curfew, imposed Sunday, was relaxed from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. However, majority of shops and business outlets remained closed.

"We will keep our shops shut even after curfew is lifted till the large number of weapons used by the mob are not seized," the traders body told officials.

In Punhana town of Mewat, some 90 km from here, curfew was imposed April 12 to curb any flare-up between the two communities following killing of a youth.

The minister announced Rs.50 lakh for the deceased youth's family and compensation for the traders who suffered losses.

About 1,500 personnel from the Rapid Action Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force and Haryana Police have been deployed in Mewat area.

Police have registered 30 complaints from the two communities, but no one has yet been arrested.