Ex-minister, 11 others held for trying to go to Kawal Village

A former Uttar Pradesh minister was among 12 people arrested today when they tried to go to violence-hit Kawal village to hold meetings, even as police sealed all roads leading to the area.
Former Uttar Minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Dharamvir Baliyan, district president of the party Ajit Rathi and ten other political activists were arrested from their party office when they tried to go to Kawal Village, police said.
Also, the authorities today sealed all roads including, Khatima-Panipat Highway, for reaching Kawal Village.
Yesterday, the district administration warned that anyone found indulging in violence in the area will be booked under the National Security Act.

On hearing reports that groups were planning to hold separate meetings over the issue, District Magistrate Koshal Raj Sharma had said that no one will be allowed to do so as prohibitory orders continue to remain in force.
Five FIRs have been registered in connection with the case and eleven people have so far been arrested and booked under various charges, including that of rioting and murder, police said.
Tension had erupted in the village on Tuesday after three persons were killed in a minor dispute following the collision of two motorbikes.