Muslims, Hindus fighting

Press, 4 October 1982, Page 8

Muslims, Hindus fighting

NZPA New Delhi Police reinforcements have been rushed to the northern Indian town of Meerut (pop. 400.000) to end worsening violence between Hindus and Muslims in which at least 18 people have died. The two religious communities had fought throughout Saturday with homemade bombs’, guns and acid bottles in the worst rioting since the trouble erupted early last month, officials said.

Eight people died, including five killed by the police in a gun battle, the Press Trust of India reports. Among the many injured were 21 policemen, who officials said had been the main target of the attacks. The agency, said that the disturbances had spread to new areas where explosions and gunfire could be heard.

An indefinite curfew has been reimposed in parts of the town, which is 80km from New Delhi, and extra para-military reserve police and border security units moved in for the fourth time in a week.

The police have arrested more than 700 people and seized grenades, acid bottles, and explosives in raids on homes. The riots broke out in a dispute over a building which Hindus and Muslims claim to be sacred.