December 19, 2002	Thursday	Shawwal 14, 1423

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AHMEDABAD, Dec 18: Police on Wednesday fired tear-gas and live rounds to break up clashes between Hindus and Muslims in India’s riot-torn state of Gujarat, where the Hindu nationalist BJP romped to electoral victory at the weekend.

“There was stone-throwing by both communities and some houses were also burnt in two areas of Vadodara (Baroda),” a police spokesman said.

He said the rioting, in the city of Varoda some 120km south of Ahmedabad, had begun on Tuesday night and had carried on into early Wednesday morning.

“Police had to lob several rounds of tear-gas and fire a few rounds before the situation was brought under control,” the spokesman said, adding that no serious injuries had been reported.

Communal tension has spread through many parts of Gujarat after the election results were declared on Sunday, when Bharatiya Janata Party staged victory celebrations in major centres.

Police said that since Sunday, Baroda has been witnessing rioting every night.

“Violence is continuing because both communities are reacting to slight provocations from the other,” said police commissioner D.D. Tuteja.

“We have arrested some miscreants yesterday which should bring back normalcy in the city,” he added.

On Monday night, two mosques in different areas of Baroda were attacked by large groups of Hindus who had taken part in BJP victory rallies.

Witnesses said after a BJP victory rally a crowd of around 4,000 people gathered outside a mosque in the Hindu-dominated Chipwad area of Baroda.

The lock of the door was forced and the mob entered the mosque, burning the dais where the imam performs prayers and destroying the interior.—AFP