UP burns, opposition demands President’s rule

In a late evening development, Uttar Pradesh governor Banwari Lal Joshi sent a report to the Centre and said law and order mechanism failed to prevent communal flare-up in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli. However, despite demands made by Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal, Central rule in the state has been ruled out for now. Additional Director General, Law and Order, Arun Kumar said in Lucknow that 103 arrests have been made and cases registered against one thousand people including leaders of Bharat Kisan Union, four BJP MLAs and two former MPs.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, meanwhile, assured Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav that the Centre will extend required assistance to the state in tackling the situation in violence-hit districts. Singh condemned the violence and expressed grief and shock over the loss of innocent lives.

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a judicial probe to look into the cause of violence. 

Akhilesh Yadav said no leniency would be shown towards those disturbing peace while district officials have been given free hand to deal with the situation. Yadav has also appealed to political leaders to restrain themselves from going to Muzaffarnagar or participating in any meeting which could disturb the peace in the area.

The BJP called for intervention by Centre and dismissal of the state government. The BSP also demanded President’s rule in Uttar Pradesh.