Shia cleric demands President's rule in UP

Alleging that there is "jungle raj" in Samajwadi Party regime, prominent Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad today demanded imposition of President's rule in Uttar Pradesh.
"There is jungle raj prevailing in the state and there is no law and order. The government which claims itself to be sympathiser of minorities is engaged in brutal lathicharge on innocent Muslims in Lucknow . We demand President's rule in the state," Jawwad told reporters here.
Jawwad was arrested yesterday along with his supporters here in Kaiserbagh area when he was going to hold a demonstration at Shahi Masjid in Hazratganj area.
Jawwad, who had earlier announced his plan to hold a demonstration at Hazratganj here after taking out a procession to protest misuse of Shia Waqf properties and demand removal of Waseem Rizvi, Chairman of Shia Waqf Board, started from old city area in a procession but was later arrested at Kaiserbagh crossing along with his supporters.

He alleged that police yesterday had used canes mercilessly and even women and kids were not spared.
"We had only announced offering namaz at Shahi Masjid but we were not allowed. We demand that innocent Muslims arrested should be immediately released," he said.
Jawwad has been protesting against Rizvi, considered close to Urban Development Minister Mohd Azam Khan. Both are engaged in war of words alleging involvement of each other in corrupt practises.