Pune: The situation at Miraj in
neighbouring Sangli district continued to be tense but under
control even as the Ganesh immersion disrupted due to communal
violence, recommenced last night under police protection.
The Miraj township and Sangli city continued to be
under curfew imposed on Saturday night, official sources said
on Monday.
In Miraj, 70 per cent of Sarvajanik Ganesh idols had
been immersed till this morning after authorities held
discussions with various social organisations in order to
establish peace.
The trouble had started on the Anant Chaturdashi day--
September 3-- when some pro-Hindutva organisations tried to
raise an arch on the immersion procession route, depicting
murder of Mogul warrior Afzulkhan by King Shivaji recorded in
the Maratha history.
This led to clash between two groups and violence that
had repercussions in Sangli city also.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Home Minister Jayant Patil who
visited the trouble spots, told reporters that 23 persons had
been arrested in connection with the violent incidents over
the last four days.
The State Director General of police S S Virk was
personally supervising the situation.
The authorities today announced relaxation of curfew
in Miraj for half an hour in the morning. The curfew will
remain in force in Miraj till afternoon tomorrow, they added.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, September 07, 2009, 12:02