Curfew imposed in Rajouri after clashes

A curfew has been imposed in the communally sensitive border town of Rajouri following clashes yesterday evening, the authorities said.

A curfew has been imposed in the communally sensitive border town of Rajouri following clashes on Wednesday evening, the authorities said.

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"There were clashes and violence," a police officer told IANS on phone.

"The situation is sensitive and to prevent further worsening of the situation, curfew has been imposed," he added.

The authorities feared a flare-up after Hindi-Muslim relations were strained following a remark by Praveen Togadia, international general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Monday.

The remarks were interpreted as "anti-Muslim" by community leaders, who took out protest marches.

Hindus retaliated with counter protests on Wednesday. Matters worsened on Wednesday evening when a procession of Hindus was stoned.