The recent incidents of communal violence in eastern UP are threatening to accelerate the communal polarisation in the state ahead of the next parliamentary elections. In a law and order review meeting held in August, Chief Minister Mayawati had cautioned the police about the attempts made to create communal discord in the state. Yet, the administration failed to respond to the situation in several districts. The first incident occurred in Azamgarh on September 7, when one person was killed as the police had to open fire to quell the riotous mob. Several stray incidents occurred next day during the bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Incidents of stone pelting and clashes occurred in Gonda, Bahriach, and Jaunpur and Sultanpur districts,etc.
COMMUNAL TENSION HEATS UP IN UTTAR PRADESH
The recent incidents of communal violence in eastern UP are threatening to accelerate the communal polarisation in the state ahead of the next parliamentary elections.