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50 hurt in clashes; curfew in Lucknow

Curfew has been imposed in parts of the old city area of Lucknow following clashes between Shia and Sunni communities this morning, official sources said.

Firing, heavy brick-batting and incidents of arson have been reported from the trouble-torn areas, injuring at least 50 people from both the sects. Two deaths have also been reported but are yet to be confirmed officially.

The trouble started last evening (Mohurram day) when one of the sects objected to the 'provocative' slogans raised by the other. This led to stray incidents of stone-pelting and arson, according to the sources.

One of the sects attacked shops belonging to the rival sect this morning. Heavy brick-batting and exchange of fire took place in the process. About one dozen shops had been set ablaze in the clashes.

Eyewitnesses said two persons had been killed. Officials, however, did not confirm or deny it.

The areas which have been affected and brought under curfew included Dargah Haidar Abbas, Dariawalan, Kazmain, Ghulam Hussain Pul and Kashmiri Mohalla under the Saadatganj police circle, the police said.

The commissioner, deputy inspector general of police (Lucknow range) and all the district officials have rushed to the spot.

The situation has officially been described as 'very tense but under control'.

UNI

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