Minor incidents leading to clashes have raised the spectre of rising communal tension in Uttar Pradesh and recent incidents in Saharanpur, Kasganj, Faizabad and Muzaffaragar have sent alarm bells ringing in the capital Lucknow.
Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan has directed the police to act decisively while intelligence agencies are reported to have issued an alert to the government on the need to curb minor incidents lest they assume ominous proportions.
At Monday’s law and order review meeting, Meerut Police Range was designated the most sensitive in terms of communal tensions, crime and law and order situation, followed by Moradabad and Saharanpur ranges.
Lucknow Range was categorised as “sensitive.” The Chief Secretary, who chaired the meeting, directed the police to maintain strict vigil.
On June 26, a dispute over a minor issue led to clashes between the two communities in Kasganj.
Three persons were injured in incidents of stone-throwing. On June 27, a clash followed an incident of eve teasing in the Rampur area of Saharanpur district in which several persons, including some policemen, were injured.
Social media sparksA senior police official said misuse of social media has contributed to the rise in communal temperatures in the State.
He cited the incident in Faizabad on June 27 where an objectionable post on Facebook triggered a protest from Muslims after the night prayers in Tatshahi Masjid.
The person who posted the objectionable material was later arrested by the police. Considering the sensitive nature of Faizabad, a large police force has been deployed in the town.
The latest incident occurred in Jhumma village under the Mirapur police station limits in Muzaffarnagar district on Monday where a youth’s killing sparked clashes between the two communities.
Police allegedly looked on as the warring groups indulged in firing and brick-batting.
A police spokesman said that about a dozen vehicles were set on fire by miscreants who also damaged a police jeep. Forces from neighbouring areas had to be requisitioned to bring the situation under control.
Police said the youth, Satbir Kashyap, was gunned down by unidentified persons outside his house at around 8.30pm.
Political blamegameThe ruling Samajwadi Party has blamed some forces for trying to create communal tension.
Referring to the intelligence report, the SP spokesperson and Political Pension Minister, Rajendra Chaudhary, said on Tuesday that the clashes in Kasganj and Saharanpur showed that forces trying to disturb communal peace are active.
