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Curfew in Rajasthan town after clashes claim 9

Kamla Bora in Jaipur

Indefinite curfew was clamped on Malpura town in Tonk district Monday evening after communal clashes claimed nine lives.

The killings began in the afternoon, but the administration acted only reports of arson and rioting came in.

The trouble in the communally sensitive town, about 90 km from here, began when Kailash Mali, an accused of the 1992 communal riots, was stabbed at the bus station. He succumbed to injuries while being sent to Jaipur for treatment.

News of Mali's death spread, leading to clashes in other parts. Four persons in a jeep were killed at Toda, towards evening. Soon after, another body was found in a nearby field. All victims bore wounds of sharp-edged weapons.

Three more persons were killed in clashes between Hindus and Muslims in other parts of the town, while some parts reported arson and rioting.

The district administration clamped curfew at 6.30 pm.

Additional security forces, including four companies of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary, have been sent from Jaipur and Tonk.

Senior police officials have reached Malpura town, where the district collector and superintendent of police of Tonk are camping.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reviewed the situation with senior administrative and police officials at a meeting late at night.

A red alert has been sounded in the state following the Malpura incident and patrolling was stepped up in Jaipur.

Gehlot urged members of both communities to remain calm and asked officials to take action against those responsible.

Bhanwarlal Sharma, president of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, charged that the incidents were the result of an inefficient administration and failure of law and order in the state.

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