At least 97 people were arrested in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur as communal tension mounted post clashes between two communities over the hoisting of a flag on Eid. The tense situation prompted authorities to impose curfew in 10 police station areas of Jodhpur, while mobile internet services were suspended on Tuesday.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony. He also accused the BJP’s central leadership of trying to defame the state government.
The Jodhpur deputy commissioner of police issued orders imposing a curfew till May 4 midnight besides suspending mobile internet services. Tensions broke out past Monday midnight over putting up of Islamic flags on the Jalori gate circle, which led to stone pelting in which five policemen were injured.
The situation was brought under control in the early hours on Tuesday with heavy deployment of police but tensions escalated again in the morning after prayers at an Eidgah. Shops, vehicles and houses were pelted with stones near the Jalori gate area.
