Curfew completely lifted in Hyderabad’s riot-hit areas

HYDERABAD - Hyderabad police Saturday completely lifted curfew in the old city and other areas rocked by communal violence late last month.

Police Commissioner A.K. Khan announced that night curfew was being lifted with immediate effect in all 25 police station areas as the situation had returned to normal.

However, prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more people would remain in force in all 25 police station areas, he added.

Police had Friday extended the curfew relaxation period from 12 hours to 17 hours after the prayers passed off peacefully.

Though the day curfew was lifted last Monday, police were continuing night curfew as a precautionary measure.

Curfew was imposed in the old city March 29 and in eight other police station areas in other parts of city the next day following communal clashes that claimed three lives and injured over 150 others.

The riots broke out March 27 following a dispute between two groups over religious flags.

The police commissioner said 181 cases were booked in connection with the violence and 250 people arrested. He hoped that the process of arresting the remaining accused would be completed soon.