Curfew relaxed as normalcy returns in Bikaner

Jaipur: With normalcy returning to violence-hit Sridungargarh here, curfew was today relaxed for eight hours, an official said.

 Normalcy was observed in the city from 2 pm to 10 pm as people were busy buying their essential commodities during the relaxation period, Superintendent of Police, Bikaner Santosh C Chalke told PTI.

 No untoward incident occurred during the period, and life was limping back to normalcy, the SP said.

 Additional force of about 500 jawans, including two companies of Rajasthan Armed Constabulary, was still on toes and patrolling in the troubled areas of the city, which is 70 kms from here, Chalke said, adding the curfew relaxation timing would be announced in the morning. However the internet connectivity was turned off in the city, SP said.

 The trouble started on Friday when a religious procession was crossing a shrine belonging another community in village Gusaisar. The people in the shrine asked the other group to stop the music, but the latter did not relent which led to a confrontation, the SP said.

 At least 12 persons, including four policemen, were injured as the two sides indulged in stone pelting, he said, adding they all were discharged later at night after treatment.