PATNA: Violence erupted in various cities of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Karnatka, as Hindus and Muslims clashed following the laying of foundation stone of Ram Temple by Hindu fundamentalist avowing the destruction of Babri Masjid on Nov. 9.
In Varanasi the toll in the Nov. 11 arson, violence and brickbat ting in this city considered sacred by Hindus rose to 10 on Nov. 13 with two more persons succumb ing to injuries, official reports said.
At least 40 people were injured in violence which triggered off when a procession to protest against the foundation stone laying ceremony for a temple in Ayodhya, a disputed site claimed by Hindusas the birthplace of their Lord Rama and by Muslims as a sacred mosque, was attacked with petrol bombs.
Tension continued to grip the City with reports of fresh incidents of stabbing and brick batting reported in some areas Monday, Nov 13.
A shop was set afire in the Bis meshwar Ganj area and a person ‘was seriously wounded in Ausanganj area early Nov. 13.
Police and paramilitary forces patrolling had been intensified in several troubled areas.
The situation in Sultanpur, Ali garh and Faizabad, which witnessed incidents of arson and looting on Nov. 10. Was officially stated to be normal Nov 11. Fifteen people have been arrested in this connection.
In Bhagalpur at least 5 persons were killed in fresh riots which spread to rural areas of Bhagalpur District, Home Secretary J.L. Arva, said here on Nov. 11. 100 houses were set ablaze by rioters at Jamalpur, Gaura and Bhulni villages under Shahkund police station. Arya said, that a mob surrounded Jamalpur village, about 30 Km from Bhagalpur, and torched 35 houses. The police later recovered four charred bodies.
In the nearby Gaura village about 25 houses were set on fire leaving at least one person dead, he said. The miscreants also stormed Khulni village and burnt 25 houses there but no casualty had been reported so far, Mr. Arya said.
Last week hundreds of people were killed and injured in the communal riot in Bhagalpur.
A fresh incident in Munger District of Bihar left one person dead and another wounded.
Stray incidents of violence, however, continued in Bhagalpur since Nov. 12. One person was killed when the security guard of a ruling Congress (I) party legislator opened fire near Bariarpur railway crossing on the Munger Jamul road late Nov. 12. From the speeding car, killing one person on the spot.
The police chased the vehicle and seizedit near Munger. Meanwhile, a mob gathered and at tacked the police SubInspector’s house for having allegedly supported the members of a particular community.
The mob ransacked the house and inflicted stab injuries on the Inspector’s wife, who was stated to be in a critical condition. In Karnataka the dawn to dusk curfew in the Arasikere and Shimga areas was continuing.
The curfew was imposed following violent incidents in protest against the November 9, foundation stone laying in Ayodhya.
Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Hubli city and its suburbs were brought under curfew on Nov. 13, after noon, following incidents.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 17, 1989
