Security forces has been put high alert in Muzaffarnagar following anniversary of the infamous riots which was sparked on August 28 last year after the death of three youths, including two cousins.
Security personnel have started keeping vigil on the activities of the people in the violence-hit areas of Muzaffarnagar as tension shimmer in the area. Additional Director General of Police(law and Order), Mukul Goel said in lucknow on Tuesdaythat all precautionary measures have been taken in the sensitive villages. The communal riots sparked off when the cousins—Sachin and Gaurav— were lynched by a mob in Kawal village on August 28. They were allegedly trying to escape after murdering a youth— Shahnawaz who had harassed their sister.
However, the family members of the slain cousins announced to hold a ‘Yagh’ programme at Malikpura village in Kawal. On the other hand, other group intends to carry out a programme the same day at the grave of the person killed by the cousins.
The minority community have objected to movement for the ‘Yagh programme’ through Kawal and advised officials to provide them an alternate route to Malikpura. However, during a peace committee meeting organised by the district authorities on Friday, representatives of both the communities promised to maintain peace. Police was taking no chance this time and the intelligence agencies were gathering the reports about the people likely to attend the programmes.
The killing of two brothers and a youth led to several panchayats and rallies in Muzaffarnagar but the clashes broke out onSeptember 7. The communal riots claimed the lives of 68 persons and rendered more than 50,000 homeless. The displaced were moved to several relief camps.
Meanwhile Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Muzaffarnagar, Hari Kishore Singh said that in view of the anniversary, the district authorities have chalked out a week long “ communal harmony”, programme in the district. The week long programme include a condolence function, light and sound, drama, sports, cultural night and other activities. “ The main effort of the district authorities will be to revive the old brotherhood between the Hindus and Muslims that were prevalent one year back,” he said.