Four dead as Nuh in Haryana rocked by communal violence

Large-scale communal violence rocked the Nuh town in Haryana after clashes following a religious procession on Monday claimed four lives and left dozens injured besides a huge loss of property.

According to the police sources, the violence which started in Nuh, soon spread to the nearby districts of Palwal, Faridabad, Sohna, and some other towns forcing the authorities to deploy para-military forces and clamp section 144 in the troubled regions.

Schools and colleges have been closed till further orders and the Board examinations for 10th and 12th have been cancelled in view of the violence, sources said.

A meeting of the representatives of all the communities has been convened to discuss efforts of the restoration of peace and order.

Police officials said in Nuh that the violence erupted during a religious procession sponsored by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Monday. It was alleged that stones were pelted by members of a particular community on the procession triggering clashes.

Both sides indulged in heavy stone pelting and also exchanged fire. Four persons, including two home guard jawans, were killed in the violence. Dozens of others, including senior police personnel, suffered injuries in the violence.

Dozens of vehicles were also set on fire as the rampaging mobs ransacked several shops and showrooms of motorbike. Sources said that dozens of motorbikes were looted from the showroom.

Internet services have been suspended in the violence-affected districts and 20 companies of para-military forces have been deployed to restore peace and order. Jawans of the para-military forces also staged flag marches in affected towns to restore the confidence of the people.

Police officials said that they were trying to identify the trouble mongers and added that stern action would be taken against them.