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Curfew in Ajmer, 20 hurt in community clashes

Curfew was imposed in parts of Ajmer in Rajasthan following clashes between groups of two communities.

Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said the action was necessitated following incidents of stone pelting and arson in the Durgah bazaar. The curfew has been clamped in municipal ward numbers 20, 4, 5 and 32.

The trouble, Home Minister Kailash Meghwal said, started with a dispute over snapping photographs of some zayreens (pilgrims). However, it soon escalated into stone pelting between two groups, forcing the police to fire in the air to disperse the mob.

Around 20 people, including policemen, have been injured in the incident. Eight police personnel and five civilians have been admitted to the Ajmer medical college hospital. The condition of two policemen is stated to be serious.

"The situation is now under control," said Nagar Parishat president Veer Kumar who said the incident started off as a small skirmish.between a customer and a shopowner -- the customer, together with his supporters, started manhandling the shopkeeper who, in his turn, collected his colleagues and hit back.

Police officials said a violent group set more than a dozen shops afire. However, the fire brigade put off the blazes immediately.

Five companies of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary have been sent to Ajmer to assist the police and district administration to maintain law and order.

UNI

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