Communal tension grips Uttar Pradesh again

Barely a few months after the communal violence in Muzaffarnagar, clashes once again rocked several districts in Uttar Pradesh, including  Muzaffarnagar, Ambedkar Nagar and Baharaich, triggering tension in the region. 

About a dozen people were injured when two communities fought a pitched battle in the Tanda area of Ambedkar Nagar district, about 200 kilometres from here, on Thursday. Trouble sparked off after an altercation between two people of different communities over a petty matter.

According to police sources here, the warring communities indulged in heavy stone pelting and also exchanged fire. Eight people were taken into custody. A large number of security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, with senior police officers camping at the troubled spot.

Communal tension flared up in the riot-torn Muzaffarnagar town once again on Thursday when members of two communities clashed after a dispute at the Hanuman Chowk area in the town. The clashes began after a youth suffered injuries after being hit by a bike. Shots were also fired, the police said, adding that one person was arrested in this connection.

Communal tension also prevailed in the Baharaich district following clashes between two communities a couple of days ago during a procession. 

Security personnel continued to patrol narrow lanes of the Moharba village in the district, which was rocked by clashes in which many people were injured.

Police sources said there appeared to be a deliberate attempt to disturb communal amity in the state ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.