Curfew was imposed in these areas on Tuesday night following clashes between two groups. About 17 companies of PAC and Para military forces have been deployed in curfew hit areas to maintain peace and law and order.

District Magistrate Sameer Verma said that the situation is being reviewed at every two hours and if it improves then the administration may consider relaxation in the curfew. He said more that 50 people have been arrested in connection with the communal clash in the city.

Local MP and former cricketer Mohammad Azaharuddin has asked district administration to bring the situation to normalcy in the city soon as it is month on Ramzan and people go to mosques and other place for prayers.

He also asked district magistrate to provide security to people as well as religious places. He wanted to visit riot torn city but district magistrate asked him not to visit for some days as it might lead to further law and order situation.    

President of Jamiat Ulma Hind Maulana Arshad Madani in a statement said, had district police taken stern actions against Kawariya and those supported them, the situation would not have gone to such an extent. He asked state government to restore peace as soon as possible as it was month of holy Ramzan.

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Indefinite curfew is still continuing in all six police stations areas including Katghar, Galshahid, Majhola, Kotwali, Nagfani and Mugalpura at Moradabad. Curfew was imposed in these areas on Tuesday night. However the residents of Kotwali, Nagfani and Mugalpura police areas were given relaxation for three hours from 2 to 5 PM.

Police has lodged four criminal cases in connection with violence spread over in different areas of the town and 58 persons have been arrested in this connection.

The Additional DG security Rajnikant Mishra is camping at Moradabad town to keep eyes on the situation. About 25 companies of security forces including 7 Companies of Rapid Action Force are deployed in curfew hit areas and a helicopter has also been pressed into service for patrolling from sky. Commercial and business activities are badly affected in Moradabad town.

PHOTO: A scene of curfew at Barwalan area of Moradabad

Photo by Shafiq Khan in Jadeed Khabar

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Moradabad under curfew after communal clashes