Muzaffarnagar violence: Akhilesh appeals for calm

In the wake of communal violence in Muzaffarnagar, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today warned people against rumours mongers and said those behind the clashes will not be spared, while opposition attacked the state government in unison for not taking pre-emptive steps.
"People should not pay attention to the rumours and exercise restriant....Whosoever has done this will not be allowed to go scot free," Yadav said on violence in Muzaffarnagar district in which six persons have lost their lives.
"It will be my appeal that peaceful atmosphere should prevail," he said.
The chief minister said that senior officials, both in Muzaffarnagar and Lucknow, are working to restore peace and are keeping a vigil on the situation there.

Meanwhile, BJP and Congress have condemned the violence and termed it as an "example of government's failure".
"Uttar Pradesh government is responsible for the incident in Muzaffarnagar today as no pre-emptive measures were taken despite tension prevailing there since the past 15 days," state unit president of BJP, Laxmi Kant Bajpai said.

Terming "one sided" action of the district administration as the cause of today's violence, Bajpai demanded the suspension of Muzaffaragar's District Magistrate and SSP.
UPCC spokesman Zeeshan Haider demanded a through probe and stern action against those found responsible for it.
Meanwhile, state's Urban Development and Minority Welfare Minister Azam Khan today warned those "trying to harm the atmosphere of the state" in the name of caste and community.

In a statement, Khan said that government will ensure stern action against those involved in such acts.
He also appealed to the people to exercise restraint and not get influenced by the trouble makers.