Curfew was clamped in Midnapore town following a clash between members of an akhada and Muslims during a Muharram procession on Thursday.

Four people, including two police personnel called in to control the mob, were injured.

District Magistrate of West Midnapore N S Nigam said that four companies of CRPF have been deployed in the town.

“Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed. We will monitor the situation through the day. If we are convinced that the tension has eased, we will lift the curfew in the evening. As of now, the situation is under control,” Nigam said.

District administration officials said the police force deployed in Lalgarh in the wake of tribal protests have been asked to return to Midnapore following the tension.

Sources said that trouble began in the morning when youths from the Bajrang Club blocked the Muharram procession near Sipai Bazar.

Members of the Bajrang akhada have a long-standing rivalry with some persons who were part of the procession. Such clashes have taken place during Holi and Muharram last year, but were stymied before it snowballed into a riot, said a police officer.

“Many members of the Muharram procession were emotionally charged up due to its significance. When they found their way blocked, they attacked the obstructing youth with the sticks they were carrying. In retaliation, the gymnasium members damaged the “Tajia”.

In a short time, the news spread through the town and people began gathering. Many were armed with swords. Clashes took place in Sepai Bazar, Burrabazar and Barastana areas of the town,” sources said.

... contd.