Two dead in communal clash near Mathura

Two persons died and several were injured in Friday's communal clash in Kosi-Kalan town in Mathura district, close to Agra, the city of Taj Mahal.

According to delayed reports reaching the state headquarters in Lucknow, violence broke out over drawing of water from a common source by members of two rival communities.

Meanwhile, a curfew has been clamped all over the small town, where a large contingent of the armed police was deployed to prevent any recurrence of violence.

According to the police, "Trouble was sparked off when a young Muslim boy accidentally put his hand in a drum of water put up by a Hindu to quench the thirst of devotees visiting a nearby temple.  An old man running the drinking water kiosk slapped the young boy, who went up his friends loitering around in the neighbourhood."

The Muslim youth retaliated by mustering up a larger crowd and resorting to violence and arson on the streets. Dozens of vehicles, shops and other public as well as private property was set ablaze.