Curfew relaxed in riot-hit Hyderabad

HYDERABAD - Curfew was relaxed in riot-hit Hyderabad on Saturday after there were no reports of communal violence on Friday.

“Prohibitory orders will be relaxed from 10 am to 1 pm in all 17 police stations limits in the old city and from 8 am to 10 am in eight areas outside the old city,” said City Police Commissioner A.K. Khan

“As everything was peaceful on Friday, we decided to relax the curfew tomorrow in all 25 police stations where it was imposed. We will gradually increase relaxation if the situation continues to be peaceful,” he added.

There was, however, no relaxation in curfew on Friday keeping in view the sensitive nature of the law and order situation.

All roads leading to the historic Mecca Masjid were sealed off completely and no unpleasing incident was reported in the area.

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)