Lucknow, November 20: Communal tension prevailed in Muslim dominated Mukeriganj area in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday evening following a clash between Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists and revellers of Eid-e-Milad Un Nabi. Following the clash, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), prohibiting the assembly of more than four persons at public places was imposed in the area.

Local VHP activists took out a motorcycle rally in Mirzapur to mobilise people for reaching Ayodhya on November 25 to attend scheduled Dharm Sabha for construction of Ram temple at the disputed place where Babri Masjid was once stood. When they entered Mukeriganj area, some religious flags hanged by Muslims to decorate the locality ahead of Eid-e-Milad celebrations fell on the ground. Communal Tension in Shahjahanpur over Rakhi Cart.

Ramchandra Shukla, president of VHP's Mirzapur unit, alleged a group of local youths attacked VHP activists during their motorcycle rally. A clash also erupted between people of two communities, with both the sides resorting to brick batting. As news of the alleged attack on VHP activists spread in the district, people from neighbouring localities ran towards Mukeriganj, reported a leading daily. Communal Clash Erupts in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj as Miscreants Replace Muharram Flag With Saffron.

Massive police force led by District Magistrate Mirzapur Anurag Patel and SP Shalini stationed in the area following the clash and calmed the situation. However, VHP activists sat on a dharna and threatened to block Eid-e-Milad Un Nabi processions in Mirzapur on Wednesday. As communal tension was gripping, the administration was holding talks with both groups till night.

According to ADG Varanasi Zone PV Ram Shastri, the situation was under control, and the administration was taking all efforts to pacify both the communities and maintain law and order.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 20, 2018 11:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).