9 killed in communal riots in Muzaffarnagar, army deployed

 

Muzaffarnagar/Lucknow, Sept 7, 2013 (PTI): At least nine persons, including a TV channel journalist, were killed and 34 injured today as fresh violence between members of two communities erupted in Muzaffarnagar, after which indefinite curfew was imposed and the army deployed to help maintain law and order.

 

Tension running high since three persons were killed in Kawal village on August 27 today burst into clashes in several parts of the district.

 

IBN7 channel’s part-time correspondent Rajesh Verma and a photographer hired by police, Israr, were among those killed in the violence.

 

Nine persons were killed--two in Muzaffarnagar town, three each in Bhopa police station area and Shapur area and one in Sikhera police station area, District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said.

 

Curfew was imposed in Civil lines, Kotwali and Nai Mandi of Muzaffarnagar town. Officials in the district said at least 34 people were injured.

 

Late tonight, a Home Department spokesman said in Lucknow that army personnel have been deployed in the riot-hit areas of the district to help the civil authorities maintain law and order.