Saharanpur:
Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to ensure communal harmony in the state in the wake of violence in Saharanpur in which three people have died and 19 others have been injured.
Mr Singh phoned Mr Yadav to express his concern over the violent clashes that broke out between two communities and offered all help to contain the situation.
The clashes broke out allegedly over construction on a disputed property. According to reports, many shops and vehicles were vandalised and set on fire as the two groups confronted each other. Several policemen were among those injured as the protesters clashed and pelted stones at each other. There were also reports of firing.
Curfew has been imposed in Saharanpur that is located nearly 170 kilometres from Delhi.
Mr Yadav has deputed top police and administrative officials to the spot to bring the situation under control.
There's massive security deployment in the area. Personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have reportedly also been called in. Around 600 paramilitary force personnel have been sent to Uttar Pradesh by the Central government.
According to news agency IANS, traffic on the national highway connecting Ambala was thrown out of gear as the protesters went on the rampage.