Clashes break out between communities in north Goa’s Valpoi

Members of a minority community had earlier objected to the display of posters, stating that the organisers did not have permission to paste and hold the rally.

Valpoi in north Goa remained tense after late-night clashes between two communities over removal of posters pasted by a group regarding Shiv Jayanti rally.

Clashes broke out between two communities in Valpoi of north Goa. (Video screengrab)

Police said the organisers of the rally tried to install the statue of Maratha king Chatrapati Shivaji after demolishing an existing structure that was set up by the Valpoi municipal council as part of beautification process.

Valpoi municipal council has filed a case against miscreants in this regard.

As per police sources, members of the minority community had also objected to the pasting of posters earlier, stating that the organisers did not have permission to paste and hold the rally.

After the posters were torn, the organisers gathered in huge numbers at the Valpoi police station at around midnight, and started demonstrating and shouting slogans.

Police tried to stop the organisers and participants from taking out a rally through the city, ensuing in high drama. No casualty or damages to property or vehicle were reported.

The situation remained tense as around 200 policemen were deployed and the police has urged the citizens to maintain law and order.