Old Hyderabad tense curfew to continue till 6 pm

Hyderabad: Curfew has been extended till Wednesday morning and patrolling intensified in communal violence-hit areas of the old city where clashes during the last three days left one dead and 80 injured.

The situation was, however, "totally under control" with the deployment of a large number of central security forces, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner A K Khan told reporters.

Curfew was imposed last evening in 17 police station areas of South Zone after fresh violence erupted in Moghalpura, Shalibanda, Charminar, Aliabad, Falaknuma, Shamsheergunj and Lal Darwaja localities.

"We have intensified patrolling in lanes and by-lanes in curfew-affected areas where communal clashes took place during the last three days," Khan said. He said though the situation was tense, it was totally under control with the deployment of a large number of security forces including RAF and CRPF.

Replying to a query, he said the decision to relax curfew would be taken tomorrow after monitoring the situation. He warned that stern action would be taken against those involved in communal clashes.

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Due to curfew, 10th class examinations in 140 centres in South Zone area have been postponed, South Zone DCP Madhusudhan Reddy said.

Osmania University authorities, meanwhile, announced that the degree examination scheduled to be held from tomorrow has been postponed to April 7.

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One person was stabbed to death on Monday and another hurt in the Shalibanda area. Another person was injured when a vehicle was attacked at Khilwat Chowrasta. About 130 persons, suspected to be involved in the communal clashes, have been taken into custody so far, police added.

The Centre has rushed 1,800 paramilitary personnel to restore peace in the sensitive areas. The entire force has been put on alert to maintain law and order in view of Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.