Though the situation in Kasganj, which saw an eruption of violence on January 26, became normal by Tuesday, in its adjoining areas, miscreants have tried to disturb communal harmony. However, a vigilant police force foiled their intentions.
About 18km from the district headquarters in Aamapur area, a small mob tried to desecrate a religious place but timely action by police prevented any untoward incident.
Baring this incident, the situation remained normal in Kasganj, markets were open and local residents came out in good numbers from their homes on Tuesday to buy essential commodities. On Wednesday, the administration restored internet services. Schools remained opened and registered good attendance.
To encourage local residents and give them confidence, top officials of the district along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) took out a flag march in the riot-affected areas.
Local residents heaved sigh of relief on Wednesday when internet and ATMs started working.
Meanwhile, the police conducted vigorous raids to nab miscreants and arrested six persons. IG Sanjeev Gupta initiated bike patrolling in narrow lanes of the city where police jeeps cannot move. Gupta said that police are maintaining a strict vigil and information about those arrested was being given to their family members.
The IG (public grievances) Vijay Meena said to maintain law and order in Kasganj and adjoining areas, heavy force has been deployed, comprising one ADG, two IGs, two companies of RAF and seven companies of the PAC. He said that so far, seven cases have been registered pertaining to the violence and 33 persons have been arrested.
Meanwhile, various organisations paid their respects to Chandan Gupta, who was killed in the initial clashes; they also held a dharna in front of Gandhi statue in Kasganj city demanding strict action against those who were guilty.
The Central government has also taken the communal violence of Kasganj seriously and has sought a detailed report from the UP government in this connection.
The Kasganj violence has also taken a political shape. UP Governor Ram Naik described it as a shame, creating an embarrassing situation for the Yogi Adityanath government. A displeased chief minister has ordered stern action against guilty.
The chief minister is also furious about a controversial Facebook post by the district magistrate of Bareilly in which he commented about the violence; however the DM removed the post after he came to know about the CM’s displeasure.
The opposition too has been continuously attacking the Adityanath government for the violence, alleging that the government completely failed to control the situation. Political leaders from both the Hindu and Muslim communities have announced plans to visit Kasganj.
Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh confirmed that a Congress delegation will visit Kasganj on Wednesday. Ithihaad Millat Council (IMC) head Maulana Tauqir Raza too said that he would be visiting Kasganj to take first-hand stock of the situation.
The district administration however did not allow Bajrang Dal leaders, who had come from other districts, to meet deceased Chandan Gupta’s family.
