Curfew continues in trouble-torn areas of Faizabad

The situation in the trouble-torn areas of Faizabad, that witnessed communal violence two days back, remained peaceful but tense, even as curfew remained enforced in the affected areas for the second day.

The state government deployed a large number of security forces, including the Rapid Action Force, PAC and civil police in the twin towns of Faizabad and Ayodhya, which prevented Bharatiya Janata Party Members of Parliament Lalji Tandon and Vinay Katiyar from entering the district.

Although peace prevailed, an undercurrent of tension simmered in the affected areas.

Inspector General (Law and Order) B P Singh earlier said so far 26 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence and 13 first information reports have been registered.

In view the prevailing situation, the district administration and representatives of the minority community on Friday agreed on not holding religious prayers in the affected areas.

The decision was taken to avoid assembly of a large number of people in view of sensitive situation, officials said, adding that the prayers, however, will take place as usual in other parts of the district.

The administration has started war footing exercise to restore the communal harmony by bringing the two communities closer through the way of dialogues.

Authorities and spiritual leaders from both the communities appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony.

District Magistrate Deepak Agrawal said that the revenue department is preparing the lists of shops burned in riots, so that their owners can be given adequate compensated.

"We are contacting the owners of those shops so that we can send a correct report to the government about the losses," he said.

The state government on Friday suspended Faizabad city Magistrate Tilakdhari Yadav and station house officer of Kotwali city police station Bhullan Yadav.