After temporary respite, curfew clamped on Kaithal, Hisar, Hansi

Satish Seth & Deepender Deswal

Kaithal/Hisar, February 22

Despite heavy presence of security forces, tension continued to prevail in Kaithal, Hisar, Hansi and other parts of the district today as more incidents of loot and arson were reported.

The presence of Army and police personnel in Kaithal not withstanding, arsonists marched from the Karnal road blockade site to Padma City Mall and vandalised the shopping complex.

District Magistrate Nikhil Gajraj again clamped curfew in the town today, hours after it was relaxed last night. The Army and police personnel along with the district administration officials also conducted a flag march.

There was no relaxation in Section 144 of the CrPC in other parts of the district, which prohibits blockades, assembly of five or more persons and carrying of weapons. Internet and bulk-message facilities remained suspended for the second consecutive day today.

Carrying sharp weapons and sticks, a mob had last night vandalised, among other properties, the Jannat and Springfield hotels in the town, a number of sweet shops, ‘dhabas’ owned by the members of Saini and other communities, the office of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha leader Sanjay Bhardwaj.

Several prominent residents also met Inspector General OP Singh, who was camping at a government rest house here, and registered their resentment against the deteriorating law and order situation despite curfew and other restrictions. They demanded that the security forces take some concrete steps to check the movement of arsonists. The police officer assured the residents of raising the issue at the quarters concerned.

The local administration also clamped curfew in Hisar and Hansi towns and some nearby villages.

Sources said two persons suffered bullet injures in a caste clash in Dhani Pal village near Hansi last night. The situation turned serious as people from Sisay village on one side and Sainipura and Dhani Pal on the opposite started gathering. Some protesters also entered the Hansi town and looted some shops.

After the police failed to control the situation, the administration handed the charge to the Army and clamped curfew at Hansi town and adjoining villages of Sisay, Sainipura and Dhani Pal villages.

As rumours spread, a group gathered in Hisar town and tried to take out a march in the market. The police, however, dispersed them by firing teargas shells. The administration also clamped curfew in Hisar town later in the evening.

Hisar Deputy Commissioner Chander Shekhar Khare said the Army had taken charge and shoot-at-sight orders were in force in the district. He said residents had been directed to stay indoors till further orders.