Forbesganj communal clash: Normalcy returns, special DM assigned

Normalcy is returning to Forbesganj town in Bihar's Araria district, close to the Indo-Nepal border, after communal clashes last week.

Normalcy is returning to Forbesganj town in Bihar's Araria district, close to the Indo-Nepal border, after communal clashes last week.

However, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawans deployed in town to check violence are still in place.

Besides, secretary of road construction department Pratyay Amrit has been dispatched to the minority-dominated district as its special district magistrate (DM).

On Tuesday, the administration claimed that the situation was under control.

"The situation in Forbesganj is now normal. We have made 13 arrests so far and raids are still going on in the town," said Amrit.

Some shops and commercial establishments did re-open in the town, but there was little traffic on the roads.

The administration has warned of strict action against those inciting communal violence and has cracked down on history-sheeters, especially those booked previously for communal clashes.

Amrit said peace meetings had been held between community leaders and flag marches were being held to instill confidence among people.

Darbhanga zonal inspector general of police GS Gangwar too is camping in the area.

"Although the situation is under control, we are keeping one company of RAF in town for the next three to four days. Three-layered patrolling is also being done and confidence-building measures are being taken," he said.

A senior official on condition of anonymity said, "The government is keen not to take any risks, as the area has a history of communal flare-ups owing to the demographic profile. Opposition parties, led by the BJP, often make it a law and order issue."

Seven FIRs have so far been lodged in connection with last week's violence, said Araria superintendent of police Akhtar Ahmed.

There were clashes in the town, known for its rice mills and trading activity, on Saturday and Sunday after a group of young men who were part of a Muharram procession taken out on Friday had vandalised some shops.

"During the procession, a group of youths in an inebriated condition had razed down a few local shops and created nuisance in the area, which led to clashes," said an official.

Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi is expected to address a gathering at nearby at minority-dominated Kishanganj district on December 15, after a function at the upcoming Aligarh Muslim University branch there. Security has been beefed up in Kishanganj district too.