Madhya Pradesh: Curfew Lifted In Riot-Hit Khargone After 24 Days, All Curbs Withdrawn

On April 10, stones were hurled at the Ram Navami procession in MP's Khargone, triggering incidents of arson wherein some vehicles were set on fire.

(File Photo/ PTI)

Bhopal: After 24 days of strict restrictions, the curfew has been lifted in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone city which was jolted by communal clashes during the Ram Navami celebrations, news agency PTI reported. "The administration on Wednesday convened a peace committee meeting, which was attended by the representatives of all the communities. It was decided with the consent of all that the prohibitory orders issued on April 10 should be withdrawn immediately," Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Milind Dhoke told reporters after the meeting.

On April 10, stones were hurled at the Ram Navami procession, triggering incidents of arson wherein some vehicles were set on fire, prompting authorities to clamp curfew in three areas and section 144 of CrPC in the entire city. 

Soon after the violence broke out, the Police fired tear gas shells to control the situation.

#खरगोन_शहर में 10 अप्रैल को कार्यालयीन आदेश क्रमांक/3359-60/सा.ले./2022 के अंतर्गत लगाएं गए कर्फ़्यू व प्रतिबंधात्मक आदेश किया निरस्त। शांति समिति की बैठक पश्चात लिया गया निर्णय। SDM श्री मिलिंद ढोके ने मीडिया से चर्चा करते हुए दी जानकारी।#PeaceInKhargone@JansamparkMP @mohdept pic.twitter.com/2583uBdQcS

— PRO JS Khargone (@PROJSKhargone) May 4, 2022

"The prohibitory orders under CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) 144 have ended from today itself. All the restrictions and curfew have been withdrawn. The situation that prevailed before April 10 has been restored," he said.

A day ago, the curfew was in place in the violence-hit city for 24 hours and citizens were asked to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr and Akshaya Tritiya festivals at home.

Earlier in the day, the administration had announced to relax the curfew for 11 hours - from 6 am to 5 pm, but after the meeting, all curbs were removed. Four days after the violence, the local administration has been relaxing the curfew for some hours.