By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
Agra: The city areas that witnessed violence and heavy stone pelting between Bajrang Dal activists and residents of a Muslim area on 16th April over the issue of cow-slaughter are now returning to normalcy.
Talking to TwoCircles.net (TCN) today, Senior Superintendent of Police said the situation was under control as heavy deployment of armed forces had been made in sensitive areas. Today the shops and markets opened and the traffic was normal, said the officer.
The violence began on Wednesday when Bajrang Dal activists who were demonstrating against cow-slaughter were attacked by a mob. At least eight persons, including a press photographer, were reportedly injured due to stone pelting. Several private vehicles were also burned or damaged and some shops and stalls were ransacked.
To prevent the spread of violence, police had to lathicharge. The situation, however, was brought under control in Naubasta-Lohamandi area of the town only when a large contingent of police and Provincial Armed Constabulary jawans were deployed there.
Seven people have been arrested in connection with the violence. When TCN asked the police officer about those arrested, he refused to give any details. He also denied that curfew was imposed in the affected areas.
In the morning on 16th April a police team led by a group of Bajrang Dal activists had carried out a search operation in the area. When the police team tried to make some arrests, it was resisted. The police withdrew and called for backup.
Meanwhile, some Bajrang Dal activists began protesting against delay in conducting raids and took out a demonstration in Lohamandi area where they were attacked by a mob. The Hindu activists also launched a counter attack and the situation deteriorated. Heavy police reinforcements were made and the situation was brought under control.