The riot-torn western Uttar Pradesh town of Muzaffarnagar was tense ahead as the death anniversary of a youth belonging to the minority community and two Jat youths on August 28.
Sachin and Gaurav, two Jat youths who were cousins, were reportedly lynched by a mob in Kawal village on August 28 when they were trying to escape after allegedly killing Shahnawaz, a man who had "harassed their sister".
Their killing on August 28 last year had triggered communal riots which spread across Muzaffarnagar’s villages and claimed the lives of 61 persons and rendered more than 50,000 homeless.
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The displaced members of the minority community were moved to several relief camps.
The family of the Jat youths plans to conduct a ‘homage programme’ at their hamlet Malikpura in Kawal. The minority community, on the other hand, intends to carry out construction activities on the same day at the grave of Shahnawaz.
Tension is brewing as some members of the minority community have objected to movement of the ‘homage programme’ through Kawal and advised officials to provide them an alternative route to Malikpura.
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The district administration has not prohibited people from the nearby village from attending the homage ceremony, but does not want any untoward incidents.
Sangeert Som, the controversial Bharatiya Janata Party leader and one of the accused in the riots cases, is likely to attend the ‘homage programme.’ A source in the district administration, however, told The Hindu that Mr. Som may not be allowed to deliver a speech.
Security tightened Police and several companies of security force have been deployed in the Muzaffarnagar city as well as the entire district.
There was simmering tension during a “sadbhavana” week on the anniversary of the communal riots. A large number of people turned up at the candle march which started off the week.