Kumar Rajiv Nayan
Ara: Though situation returned to almost normal in and around Piro in Bhojpud district on Tuesday after six days due to the concerted efforts of the district administration, the people are still apprehensive in the area due to a clash between two communities on October 12, 2016.
In view of Dussehra and Muharram, Bhojpur district administration had made elaborate security arrangements. Yet, on October 12 evening, the people of two communities clashed at Dusadhi Badhar at Piro over raising of slogans and singing of songs and within seconds the incident took an ugly turn. Anti- social elements set ablaze dozens of motorcycles, tractors and shops. Three dozen shops were also looted. All the senior officials of the district along with police force tried to bring the situation under control. The police had to resort to lathicharge in which dozens of people were injured. People pelted police with stones. Police retaliated and opened fire in the air. In the meanwhile, Shahabad range DIG Md Rahman ordered action against the miscreants. The disturbances continued in the area for six days.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, section 144 was promulgated and internet and mobile services were snapped with a view to checking rumours. Schools and colleges of the area were closed. Train and bus services were also paralyzed and people had to face a lot of problem. Police arrested over two dozen persons for creating disturbances in the area. But the people charged DIG, Shahabad range, Md Rahman, with being partial.
Officials of the Bhojpur district administration called a meeting of people from both the community to bring peace back in the area. Peace returns in the area on Tuesday. After the situation became normal, mobile and network services were restored in Bhojpuri district on Tuesday afternoon. Bhojpur SP Kshatranil Singh said the situation is under control and no untoward incident had been reported from any corner in the area during last three days.