Bihar battles hard to restore peace

Government imposes prohibitory orders as communal violence spreads to more areas

Authorities in Bihar are battling hard to restore peace over the past week as communal tensions spread to fresh areas yesterday. The biggest worry for the chief minister is that the tension has been mounting despite stern warning to troublemakers and putting the state administration on a high alert.

Even as normality was restored in Bhagalpur and Aurangabad districts, sporadic incidents of communal tension erupted in Samastipur, Munger and Nalanda districts, prompting the authorities to promulgate prohibitory order.

Trouble broke out in Samastipur district after one group allegedly hurled slippers at the procession of a Hindu deity being taken out for immersion yesterday. Angry mob then ransacked a mosque on way, leading to violent clashes between the rival groups, prompting heavy deployment of police forces and suspension of internet services. At least 10 policemen were wounded in the clashes.

Communal tension rose in Munger district after religious processions were held in some localities. Rival groups then indulged in violence and hurled stones at each other. Some 10 people were injured in the attack.

Communal tension was also reported from Nalanda, the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, where two communities clashed during a religious procession taken out by the Hindus. Several people were injured in the attack.