2 days after a curfew was imposed in Malpura town of Rajasthan’s Tonk district after a procession of Hindus on Dussehra was attacked with stones by people in a Muslim-majority locality, the curfew imposed early on Wednesday morning was finally relaxed for two hours today morning from 8.30 to 10.30 am.
The local people who had been shut inside were seen rushing to the market for buying vegetables, milk and other necessities. As per reports, the local police had allowed only two-wheelers on the road during the two hours of curfew relaxation.
The curfew is expected to remain in place for another few days. Internet services in Malpura have been restricted too. Internet services are to remain shut till Sunday night.
During the curfew, all the roads to and from the town were completely sealed. Though newspaper distribution was allowed in the last two days, buses and transport vehicles have been banned.
However, the police have informed that only two accused persons have been arrested so far over the stone-pelting incident.
On Thursday evening, leaders of the two communities were invited for a ‘Peace meeting’. Departmental head LN Meena reportedly informed that there were adequate security arrangements in place for the Dussehra procession. Community leaders have reportedly condemned the violence and expressed regret.
On Tuesday, the Hindus in the town taking out a Dussehra procession were confronted by members of another community near a high Muslim concentration area near Saadat Chowraha. A heated argument broke out between two groups resulting in communal clashes as members of the community pelted stones at the procession of Hindus.
The stone-pelting and attack on the Dussehra procession had generated massive outrage in the town.
Protesting against the police’s failure to nab culprits responsible for the stone pelting, Hindus in the area, led by BJP MLA Kanhaiya Lal sat on a dharna outside the police station. The Ravan Dahan was also delayed. Finally, government officials and municipality staff had burned the Ravan effigy early on Wednesday morning. The police had imposed curfew and stopped internet services from Wednesday morning.