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Three killed in Lucknow violence

Curfew clamped in two areas after anti-Bush protest turns into communal clashes

LUCKNOW: The death toll in communal riots, sparked by protests against United States President George W. Bush's visit, has risen to three, officials said.

Trouble erupted when protesters, after the Friday prayers, marched through the streets and forced closure of shops in Latouche Road, Aminabad, Kaiserbagh, Nazirabad, Maulviganj and Hazratganj. They indulged in heavy brickbat, Inspector-General of Police O.P. Tripathi said. One person died on the spot after being hit by a bullet during a clash on Latouche Road and two others died of injuries in hospital. The injured were admitted to the KGMU Trauma Centre and Balrampur hospital. Ten Provincial Armed Constabulary companies had been deployed.

The rallyists damaged shops and vehicles by pelting stones and setting ablaze two-wheelers, Mr. Tripathi said.

The authorities announced clamping of curfew in Aminabad and Maulviganj on microphone, but they had been unable to enforce the orders due to shortage of police and presence of violent mob on the streets, an official told UNI.

The Bank of Baroda building in Aminabad area had been set afire.

One of the victims, 12-year-old Shanu, son of Rajendra Kumar, died after being hit by a bullet during a pitched battle between two communities. The kin of the deceased had placed his body on the road demanding arrest of the person, who pulled the trigger.

The problem started when members of a particular community were forcibly trying to close down shops situated in the busy market area, where the procession was passing.

Arson and loot soon spread to others areas under three police stations of Kaiserbagh, Aminabad and Wazirganj.

With majority of the police personnel being deployed for the security arrangements of President APJ Abdul Kalam's visit later in the day, the situation turned worse within minutes leaving the handful of policemen with no option but to open fire to control the mob. The incident took the district administration by surprise.

Meanwhile, a senior officer present on the spot said that the administration had to first ensure safety of school children appearing in different exams before enforcing the curfew strictly. ``The administration would make fool proof arrangements for the students who were appearing in Boards and other exmainations, Alok Sinha, Principal Secretary (Home) said this evening.

Reacting to the situation, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Salman Khurshid termed the communal flare-up as yet another failure of the Mulayam Singh Yadav Government and demanded immediate restoration of normalcy. -- PTI, UNI

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