Lucknow, October 9: A communal clash erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district as miscreants attempted to replace a Muharram flag with saffron. At least 14 people, all Muslims, have been arrested for their alleged role in the violence. Although no casualties have been reported, heavy police has been deployed to prevent the tensions from escalating.

The incident was reported on Monday, when a group of youths reportedly attempted to remove one of green flags installed by Shia Muslims in Bargadwa village. On spotting the miscreants, locals of the minority community confronted them which led to the clashes. RSS Won't Accept Muslims, Says Mayawati After Mohan Bhagwat Speech.

Station House Officer Manish Kumar Singh said the two sides attacked each other with sticks and resorted to stone-pelting. They were dispersed only after the police resorted to firing in the air.

The SHO, while speaking to reporters, said the youths who replaced the flag belonged to the Hindu community. However, no complaint has been registered against them, he added.

Meanwhile, based on the complaint of one side, 14 men of Bargadwa village were arrested. They were produced late in the evening before the local court, which sent them to judicial custody.

Maharajganj Circle House Officer Devendra Kumar said additional police will remain stationed in the village for the next couple of days to prevent further clashes. Notably, the Bargadwa village has a 65 percent Hindu population.

According to reports, the incident has driven the minority Muslim population in the village into a frenzy, with scores of youths leaving to nearby places in a bid to avoid arrests.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2018 04:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).