By Rehan Ansari, TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: Protest against the killings in Assam and Burma on Saturday turned violent in Azad Maidan of Mumbai. Police fired tear gas shells and several rounds of bullets in the air and then resorted to baton charge to disperse hundreds of people gathered on the call of Raza Academy.
It’s reported that Police objected to the high volume of the speakers and demanded to lower that. This caused quarrel between organsiers and Police. Some also said that huge number of people had gathered than expected.
Protesters pelted stone on buses and reportedly burnt 3 OB vans of news channels P7, ABP News and news 24. Police are trying to close down Crawford market and Manish Market.
Clerics condemn, call for peace
Several clerics have strongly condemned the violent incidents that took place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Saturday during a protest against killings in Assam and Myanmar. Several vehicles including public transport buses, police van and OB vans of TV channels were burnt down during the violence.
“The violent incidence in Azad Maidan is condemnable. Our appeal to all, please remain peaceful. One wrong does not justify another wrong,” said Maulana Mahmood Daryabadi, Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi, Farid Shaikh, Dr. Azimuddin, Maulana Ejaz Kashmiri in a joint statement.
CRPF called to control situation
Himanshu Rai, Chief of Crime Branch reached on the ground and took charge of the situation. Home Minster RR Patil, cancelled his visit of Sangli and is taking stock of the situation. CRPF has been called.