Indefinite curfew imposed in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur town after communal tension

Dehradun - 02 Oct 2011 (PTI): Two persons were killed and several injured in communal clashes that broke out on Sunday following an alleged act of sacrilege inRudrapur townofUdhamsinghnagar district, prompting authorities to impose an indefinite curfew.

As tension flared up in the area, authorities immediately brought the town, about 300 km from here, under curfew.Rapid Action Force(RAF) personnel were deployed to quell violence in the area where unruly mobs set on fire five shops and scores of vehicles.

Though unconfirmed reports said three persons were killed, an official statement confirmed two deaths in the violence that spread to different parts of the town.

Chief minister BC Khanduri described the violence as sad and asserted that anti-social elements will not be allowed to disturb communal harmony in the state.

"Four to five shops and scores of vehicles have been torched in the clashes between the people of two communities at Rudrapur area. The situation is still tense but under control," senior superintendent of police (SSP) GS Martolia said.

Martolia said security has been strengthened with RAF and state police personnel conducting patrols in the town. A high vigil is being maintained in vulnerable areas, he said.

The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals where conditions of two persons are stated to be serious.

The chief minister is closely monitoring the situation and has asked senior police officials to take stern action against the miscreants, a chief minister's Office spokesman said.

Khanduri has also directed authorities to provide best medical care to the injured, the spokesman added.