Old Hyderabad under curfew for fourth consecutive day

HYDERABAD - Curfew prevailed parts of riot hit old Hyderabad for a consecutive fourth day on Friday.

Police decided against relaxing curfew in all 25 police station areas since anticipating trouble during Friday prayers.

The situation, however, remained peaceful with security forces on high alert.

State police chief R.R. Girish Kumar, met Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi to ensure peaceful Friday prayers.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner A.K. Khan said curfew, was relaxed for two hours in 17 police station areas on Thursday.

Meanwhile, eminent Islamic scholar and the head of the Jamia Nizamia Islamic University, Mufti Khaleel Ahmed said Friday prayers in mosques are a must only when they can be offered without disturbance.

State Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy had earlier hinted that curfew could be relaxed for prayers but after a review meeting with Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and senior police officials last night, she ruled it out.

Communal violence broke out over a dispute involving a religious flag. So far, two have died and 150 have been injured.

Two hundred people have been arrested in connection with 67 cases of rioting. (ANI)