Situation in Gujarat town 'under control'

By Our Special Correspondent

GANDHINAGAR, SEPT. 16. No untoward incident was reported during the two hours curfew relaxation period in Vijapur town in Mehsana district in north Gujarat this afternoon, according to an official spokesman of the State Government here today.

An indefinite curfew was clamped on the town on Saturday following communal clashes in the aftermath of attacks on the local BJP yuva morcha president for his allegedly chiding some Muslim youths for eve-teasing a Hindu girl at the State Transport bus station.

The Bajrang Dal, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the BJP jointly gave a call for a ``Vijapur bandh'' demanding police action against the alleged eve-teasers and also reportedly attacked some minority shops and other establishments. At least five shops and a number of vehicles were set afire and some shops and cabins looted in the town.

The police imposed an indefinite curfew after lathi- charge and bursting of some 20 teargas shells failed to disperse the violent mobs and the disturbances started spreading to new areas. The situation today, however, was officially described as `quiet' and `under control'.

Communal tension also prevailed in Tharad town in the neighbouring Banaskantha district bordering with Pakistan, following alleged attack on a place of worship of another community. Some people pelted stones on the place of worship on suspicion after an idol in a local temple was found partly disfigured. The situation, however, was claimed to be peaceful today.

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Section  : Other States
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