Police arrest 50 in eastern India over communal clashes

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) – More than 50 people were arrested Monday in India's eastern state of Jharkhand after communal clashes erupted between Hindus and Muslims.

The district authorities have temporarily suspended internet and banned the assembly of more than five persons in Jamshedpur area in a bid to quell further unrest.

On Sunday, communal violence erupted in the area over the alleged desecration of a Saffron flag, used for Hindu festivals.

A local Hindu organization alleged that they found a piece of meat wrapped in the flag. Many pious Hindus look down upon the consumption of meat.

Soon, Hindu protesters were out on the streets demanding action against those involved in the incident.

According to the police, protesters hurled stones at shops and vehicles in the area.

Prabhat Kumar, a senior police officer in the area, confirmed the arrests to reporters.

“Police force and surveillance teams with drones have been deployed in sensitive areas and situation is under control,” Kumar told ANI news service.

At least five Indian states have witnessed communal violence during Hindu religious festivities last month. At least two people were killed in these incidents.

Communal clashes have been on the rise in India since 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office with a Hindu nationalist agenda.