At least nine persons, including a TV channel journalist, were killed and 34 injured on Saturday as fresh violence between members of two communities erupted in Muzaffarnagar, after which indefinite curfew was imposed and the army deployed to help maintain law and order.
Tension running high since three persons were killed in Kawal village on 27th August today burst into clashes in several parts of the district.
IBN7 channel’s part-time correspondent Rajesh Verma and a photographer hired by police, Israr, were among those killed in the violence.
Nine persons were killed–two in Muzaffarnagar town, three each in Bhopa police station area and Shapur area and one in Sikhera police station area, District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said.
Curfew was imposed in Civil lines, Kotwali and Nai Mandi of Muzaffarnagar town. Officials in the district said at least 34 people were injured.
Late on Saturday night, a Home Department spokesman said in Lucknow that army personnel have been deployed in the riot-hit areas of the district to help the civil authorities maintain law and order.
Home Secretary Kamal Saxena said the army was called in on the request of the district magistrate to help the civil authorities in restoring normalcy.
Saxena said the army has been called as a precautionary measure and situation is not out of control.Meanwhile, 28 companies of the central forces have been deployed in Muzaffarnagar and other surrounding districts.
Seventeen companies have been deployed in Muzaffarnagar while others in surrounding districts of Meerut, Sambhal, Bijnore, Amroha and Baghpat.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Government today announced an ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh to the kin of the TV journalist and Rs 10 lakh to the family of others who were killed in clashes between members of two communities in Muzaffarnagar.
Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had earlier announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the journalist’s family and Rs five lakh each to the kin of five others killed in the clashes.
The seriously injured in the incident will be paid Rs 50,000 each while those who received minor injuries will get Rs 20,000, officials said.
IBN7 channel’s part-time correspondent Rajesh Verma and five others were killed as fresh clashes between members of two communities erupted in Muzaffarnagar, after which indefinite curfew was clamped and the army deployed to help maintain law and order.
Tensions running high since three persons were killed in Kawal village on 27th August on Saturday flared up in clashes in several parts of the district.
Why is there a continuous spurt of violence in UP under Samajwadi Party. i think they have given an open reign to communal goondas as a policy of appeasement to minorities.