Image Courtesy: thehitavada.com
After clashes between protesters and police in Kotwali area of Meerut several vehicles were set on fire on Hapur road. Heavy stone pelting allegedly took place at the protest outside City Hospital and unconfirmed reports say that the police fired live rounds. According to Amar Ujala four people have reportedly died as a result of this.
Violent clashes were also reported from Bijnaur where there was extensive damage to public property on account of stone pelting and arson. Two people were reportedly killed when police allegedly opened fire on protesters. Protesters allegedly set fire to a police vehicle in Nahtaur and also vandalized vehicles parked along the street. Stone pelting here led to a stampede that left dozens injured. One person is said to have died in police firing here.
The protest in Muzaffarnagar bean on a peaceful note at Meenaxi Chowk, but things took a turn for the worse when protesters allegedly started pelting stones and vandalising public property. They also allegedly set fire to half a dozen two wheelers parker nearby. It is also alleged that angry protesters set a makeshift police chowky on fire.
National Herald reported that two young boys were shot in the head in Muzaffarnagar’s Khalapar area. While one died on the spot, another succumbed to his injuries later. Lawyers who plan to file a petition before the Allahabad High Court in the matter told National Herald that the violence escalated due to instigation from local BJP leader Sanjeev Baliyaan. The lawyers also alleged that at least 200 vehicles, mostly owned by Muslims, were damaged by the police at midnight and that police damaged several houses and gates of Muslim residents close to the GT Road. Two mosques were also allegedly damaged and over 200 people were detained or arrested by the police. There are unconfirmed reports that the car of former MP Saiduzzaman was set on fire.
Police resorted to tear gas shelling and lathi charge at Meenaxi Chowk. According to Amar Ujala, three people have been injured in these clashes. Clashes also took place at Mahavir Chowk where heavy stone pelting took place.
Meanwhile protest remained peaceful in Deobandhs Khanakaha Chowky from where a protest march began. It ended at Darum Uloom and no violence was reported here. Internet services remained suspended across most of Uttar Pradesh.