As Maharashtra's Kolhapur limps back to normalcy two days after clashes broke out over social media status on Aurangzeb, internet services were resumed in the area almost 31 hours after the violence. At least 36 people have so far been arrested and cases registered in connection with the violence, a police officer told news agency ANI. On Thursday, businessmen opened their establishments and people were seen buying items of daily need from shops in Kolhapur city. Tension gripped the city on Tuesday and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde appealed for peace.


Wielding lathis, police on Wednesday dispersed hundreds of protesters after they hurled stones during a demonstration at Shivaji Chowk.


The situation was brought under control on Wednesday afternoon, and district guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar held a meeting of a peace committee in the evening, Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit said.


Members from various organisations and communities pledged to maintain peace in the city, he said.


"Precautionary measures have been taken, with police deployment in sensitive areas of the city and district along with the ongoing patrolling," he said.


Asked about the situation in the city, Pandit said, "The situation is gradually returning to normal. Shops in the main market area have started reopening." He said three cases have been registered in connection with the riots that took place on Wednesday.


So far, 36 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, the official said.


Additionally, five cases have been registered by police in the district pertaining to objectionable posts. Five persons, including juveniles, have been detained in two of these cases, the police said.


Minister Kesarkar has instructed the administration to set up separate peace committees comprising members of all communities to ensure peaceful celebration of all festivals in Kolhapur, as per a release of the district administration.


He has also directed for the formation of an independent committee to prevent any communal discord in the city, the release said.