By Najiya O., TwoCircles.net
Kochi: Mysore has still not returned to normal life as tension continues in some areas in the wake of clashes that broke out following the alleged desecration of an educational institution. The BJP Government in power in the state rejected the opposition demand for a judicial probe into the matter. Home Minister VS Acharya visited the injured in hospitals.
The bandh call given by Hindu Jagran Vedika evoked mixed response. City transport services operated a few buses. Some private buses and autorikshaws too were on the road.
The Home Minister said that the judicial probe was not required. The police have arrested more than 100 people in connection with the clashes, he informed. The opposition Congress had demanded a judicial probe into the communal clashes.
The bandh was called to protest the stabbing of a BJP leader and his friend on Thursday. The two were reportedly stabbed by people who came on motor bikes. The condition of Giridhar, the BJP leader, is critical. His friend Wajid is recovering.
The communal tensions that began in Udayagiri on Thursday and spread to adjoining places have left three people, including a boy, dead. Six people were injured and hospitalised the same day. Police had to fire several rounds to control the violent mobs.
Trouble started when the carcass of a pig was found in the compound of a madrasa in Udayagiri. Angry mob killed a labourer who was on his way to work. This enraged the other community and a man was stabbed. The boy was killed after the police came to the scene (his family alleges that he died in police firing). The police had to burst tear gases and lathicharge to disperse the mob.
Section 144 was imposed in Udayagiri and nearby places where widespread violence reigned along with arson and looting. Schools were closed down. The Rapid Action Force and Special Forces are accompanying the police in the riot-hit areas.