Cops, mob clash in Old Hyderabad

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The area around the Charminar was once again the scene of violence on Friday afternoon as members of a community clashed with the police.

They hurled stones at police personnel safegua-rding the monument and bu-rnt four four-wheelers and a bike. At least 11 people, including six policemen, were injured in the heavy stone-pelting in the Pather-gatti and Kalikamaan areas.

The trouble began when members of the community reportedly tried to hold pra-yers inside the Charminar and were stopped by the police.

“The community members were permitted to hold prayers in the (Mecca) Masjid but not inside the Charminar,” said additional commissioner of police Mohd Ahsan Reza, who was monitoring the situation together with other officers and 300 police personnel.

A larger number of people than usual had gathered for the Friday prayers. Once the prayers were over, some raised slogans against the police and tried to rem-ove the barricade and gain entry to the Charminar.

Section 144 to remain in some areas

While there was heavy stone-pelting in Pathergatti and Kalikamaan areas on Friday, Section 144 will continue to be in force in Chatrinaka, Shalibanda, Charminar, Mirchowk and adjoining places.

PFI, Hindu Vahini take advantage

Against the backdrop of tension and violence in old city, certain fundamental groups are getting activated, police said. The groups are trying to take advantage of the situation to strengthen their base among the two communities.

Popular Front of India, which claims nation-wide network for empowering minorities and dalits, has conducted a conference on ‘discrimination of minorities in AP’.

Hindu Vahini, another group which faced the allegations of associating with fundamental elements is holding a counter conference at NSS in Hyderguda.