By IANS,
Jaipur : Markets in Rajasthan’s Sirohi town remained closed Friday even three days after a communal clash broke out between two groups of people that left six people injured in a village near the district headquarters, police said.
Curfew was imposed in Sirohi district’s Kishanganj village immediately after the clash there Wednesday. It continued Friday with three hours’ relaxation in the morning to enable the people to buy essential goods, they added.
Traders’ associations Friday announced an indefinite shutdown of markets in Sirohi town.
“The situation is tense but under control with no report of any fresh clash from anywhere so far,” said a police official.
According to the police, the clash broke out after a minor tiff between two groups of football players at a ground in a government school at Kishanganj in Sirohi district, some 450 km from Jaipur.
“Some people gave it a communal colour. The clash was followed by stone pelting and firing between the two groups. Some people set ablaze two shops and a few vehicles,” said a police officer.
The officer said that at least six people were injured in the clash and three of them sustained pellet injuries.
“We imposed curfew to restore law and order Wednesday. It was relaxed for three hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday. However, we decided to continue with it keeping in view the tense situation,” the officer said.
“We have arrested 18 people for rioting and breach of peace,” he added.
Traders kept markets in Sirohi closed Friday also.
Officials said that a meeting of leaders from both communities was held to discuss the law and order scenario Thursday.
Chief minister Ashok Gehlot appealed to people in Sirohi to maintain peace and harmony.