Old Hyderabad peaceful, restrictions eased

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The situation in the old city of Hyderabad, which witnessed violence Friday, is peaceful, police said Saturday.

The police lifted some restrictions on the movement of people and vehicular traffic around Charminar, where a mob indulged in stone pelting and arson after Friday prayers at the historic Mecca Masjid.

Ten people including five policemen were injured in stone pelting by mob and baton charge and firing of teargas shells by the police. The mob also set afire several vehicles.

Following the violence, the police had sealed all routes around the historic monument, leading to a curfew-like situation in the communally sensitive area.

Police Commissioner Anurag Sharma said the situation was peaceful and no untoward incident took place since Friday afternoon.

The police Saturday morning removed barricades on roads leading to Charminar, providing relief to people reeling under restrictions for last few days due to tension over a temple abutting Charminar. Police also announced that shops can re-open in the area.

However, prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more people would continue in areas falling under seven police station limits.

The police commissioner said 40 people were arrested in connection with Friday's violence.

Member of parliament from Hyderabad and Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), however, alleged that police arrested several innocent youth and demanded their immediate release.

The old city had been simmering for the last two weeks over the alleged expansion of Bhagyalakshmi Temple, abutting Charminar.

The high court Nov 5 had ordered status quo, but the government allowed the temple committee to erect a canopy over the structure, which led to strong protest and withdrawal of support by MIM to the Congress government.

The government, however, maintained that the canopy was allowed to be erected to maintain status quo as on Oct 30.