Curfew continues in riot-hit old Hyderabad

Hyderabad, April 10 (IANS) Curfew continued in the riot-hit areas of the old city of Hyderabad for the third consecutive day Tuesday, with the situation remaining tense but under control.

People in curfew bound areas under Madannapet and Saeedabad police station limits are reeling under the shortage of essential commodities. Daily wage earners are the worst hit.

Though police Monday night announced that there would be relaxation in curfew between 12 noon and 2 p.m. Tuesday, the same was withdrawn.

The indefinite curfew was imposed Sunday after communal clashes broke out following the desecration of a place of worship at Madannapet.

Police remained on high alert following the desecration of three more places of worship at Narayanguda and Kachiguda, both outside curfew-bound areas. A tense situation prevails across the old city due to sporadic incidents of violence.

An uneasy calm prevails in the densely populated neighbourhoods around the historic Charminar and Mecca Masjid as a sense of fear grips people. Business in the centuries-old markets in the old city has been badly hit.

Many people are apprehensive to go out for work and their daily chores outside the old city. Most of the buses of state-owned Road Transport Corporation are off the roads and only a few auto-rickshaws are plying.

Police Commissioner A.K. Khan has announced that prohibitory orders, banning the assembly of four or more people, would continue till April 14 in the city. Pillion riding on motorbike has also been banned during night hours.

Residents in the interior areas of old city are complaining that they are facing a tough time due to barbed wires erected by police on many roads.