India rocked by violent sectarian clashes in at least 8 states, 1 confirmed death
- Dozens injured and hundreds arrested in conflict during Hindu religious festival
- Police said one person was shot dead after clashes in the town of Biharsharif
Authorities deployed hundreds of riot police and cut mobile internet services in parts of eastern India on Sunday after violent clashes erupted in at least eight states during a Hindu religious festival.
Police said one person was shot dead in the Nalanda district of Bihar state on Saturday after majority Hindus and minority Muslims clashed in the town of Biharsharif.
This came a day after mobs fought running battles and set fire to homes and shops during at times frenzied public celebrations of Ram Navami.
Hindu festivals regularly feature hundreds of people – sometimes brandishing swords, guns and tridents – provocatively marching through Muslim neighbourhoods with religious music pulsating through powerful sound systems.
Biharsharif police chief Shibli Nomani said nearly 100 people have been detained over violence that erupted on Thursday when thousands of Hindus rallied on the streets and paraded through Muslim-dominated areas.
“The situation is under control. We are patrolling the area and ensuring no gatherings are allowed,” he said, adding that the unrest was being investigated.