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Curfew continues in Ajmer

The dharna by the priests of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinnuddin Hasan Chisti's durgah in Ajmer ended Saturday, even as the indefinite curfew imposed in some parts of the town following violence on February 17 continued for the fifth day without relaxation.

The dharna was to press for a judicial inquiry into the alleged police action on durgah premises. It was called off following positive assurances by the district authorities.

The situation remained peaceful in the town. No fresh violence has been reported since Friday night.

The violence erupted when an altercation between a pilgrim and a shopkeeper outside the durgah took an ugly turn, forcing the police to swing into action. Subsequently, an indefinite curfew was imposed in Durgah bazar and some adjoining areas.

Incidents of fresh mob violence occurred Friday, leaving at least 56 people injured.

Meanwhile, several traders associations in the town have called for a bandh on Sunday to protest against Friday's violence and attack on police personnel.

UNI

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