WEB DESK / AMN / RANCHI
A curfew has been imposed in violence-hit areas in Ranchi, following the protests over Nupur Sharma’s controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad. As per police, the city-wide protest has been continuing since morning and picked up tempo post-Friday prayers. Many shops and establishments in Ranchi were shut on Friday protesting against the remarks.
In a bid to control the irate mob, police fired in the air besides resorted to lathi-charge during which, some of them were injured. “Few policemen have been injured. We are looking into the situation. We are reinforcing deployment,” a senior police official told PTI. Heavy security deployment has been made to manage the situation and avoid any untoward incidents.
The protestors have been demanding the arrest of suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her controversial remarks
In a statement, the Ranchi deputy commissioner’s office said, “Prohibitory orders have been imposed from Sujata Chowk to Firayalal Chowk on main road and 500 metres on either side of the road. Assembly of five or more people is prohibited in the area.”
Tensions flared up in the city following which police baton-charged the protesters. Stone-pelting was also reportedly resulting in several people, including some police personnel, getting injured.
Police also fired in the air to control the crowd. The incident occurred after Friday prayers near Daily Market, where shopkeepers were observing a day-long bandh over the issue.
Speaking to the reporters, Anish Gupta, deputy inspector general of police, said, “The situation is a little tense but under control. We are making all efforts from our end. Heavy security deployment done. Senior officials are also present at the spot”.
According to reports, the protest has been continuing since morning and only intensified after Friday prayers. Many shops and establishments kept their shutters down in protest against the remarks of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma on the Prophet. The protestors demanded immediate arrest of Sharma.
Protests across West Bengal
Protests were witnessed in WEST BENGAL when hundreds of them blocked roads in different parts of the Howrah district. The agitators even clashed with the police personnel at Dhulagarh, Panchla and Uluberia when they tried to lift the blockade on National Highway-6.
Police had to baton-charge to disperse the crowd at Dhulagarh and Panchla, where the demonstrators pelted stones in retaliation, causing damage to nearby cars.