Lucknow, June 18: Curfew has been clamped in parts of Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh after two groups clashed and indulged in arson and vandalism, leaving nearly 20 people injured, the police said on Wednesday.
A verbal dispute between shopkeepers and a group of protesters snowballed into a violent clash late on Tuesday night in the Lisari Gate area of Meerut.
“We have arrested six people in this connection. Some shopkeepers allegedly manhandled the driver of a tractor-trolley carrying the protesters.
The driver was allegedly trying to park the vehicle in a prohibited area close to a railway crossing,” Superintendent of Police (Meerut City) Rakesh Jolly told IANS on phone from Meerut.
Violence spreads
The violence soon spread to other localities, including Ghantaghar, Pir Tiraha and Bhumia Pul, where angry mobs targeted buses and police vehicles. At least six police motorcycles were set ablaze.
To disperse the angry mob, the police along with Provincial Armed Constabulary and Rapid Action Force personnel resorted to tear-gas and baton-charging the vandals. Those injured include six policemen.
“The injured are undergoing treatment. No one is in a critical condition,” said Mr. Jolly.
In the aftermath of the violence, a curfew was clamped in the area and a large number of policemen were deployed.
“The situation is still tense but under control. Curfew has been imposed in various localities coming under Kotwali, Delhi Gate, Brahmapuri and Lisari Gate police stations,” said Mr. Jolly.
–IANS