COLOMBO: Bulk of Muslim population in Aurangabad Deccan remained indoors, after Hindu fanatics circulated pamphlets threatening them with death if they dared to get out.

Thousands of such pamphlets were circulated while the Indian Police watched helplessly. Latest reports reaching Colombo reveal that tension still prevails in this riot-torn city.

Yesterday [June 9] the Indian Premier, Mrs Indira Gandhi, discussed the situation with Home Minister Chavan and decided to rush more troops to quell any further disturbances.

Mr Kalyan Das Patil, Maharashtra’s Deputy Home Minister, visited Aurangabad and appealed to Hindus to restore peace. At the meeting some Hindu leaders interrupted Mr Patil and told him that Muslims had no right to live in Aurangabad and should leave India for either East or West Pakistan.

Even after army reinforcements, the situation is not under complete control there. Sporadic cases of assaults on unarmed Muslims by armed Hindu goondas continued. According to unconfirmed reports, 40 Muslim shops, 10 hotels and 50 houses had been burnt down. Loss in Aurangabad due to arson and looting is estimated at Rs 20 lakhs.

Meanwhile, Muslim leaders in Aurangabad have complained that Police openly sided with Hindu rioters when they attacked and looted. Muslim houses and shops during Saturday’s communal riots, according to reports reaching here.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2018