Two killed in firing on protesters at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Muslim organisations condemn mob violence as well as police firing

Scene of blaze during violence

Two persons were killed when police fired at the protesters who had gathered at Azad Maidan in Mumbai for a public meeting against the killings of Muslims in Assam's Kokrajhar and the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

As a section of mob resorted to violence, targeting police vehicles and journalists' OB Vans, police fired at the crowed. Two youths Umar and Altaf were reported dead in the incident.

The violence was controlled and there was no news of further casualty. Muslim organisations have meanwhile condemned the violence. The Jamiat Ulama has condemned the firing by police and termed it as a hasty decision.

The Jamiat has also condemned the violence. It has demanded action on police officials who ordered to open the fire. Thousands of Muslims had gathered at the ground on Saturday to hold a peaceful agitation against the killing of Muslims in Assam's recent ethnic riots and the killing of Rohingyas in Myanmar (formerly Burma) but a few youths raised photographs of alleged atrocities and then they attacked police and journalists.

This was followed by arson and incidents of setting fire vehicles. Dozens of policemen were also injured in the ensuing clash. Several Muslim groups issued the appeal for peace while condemning the violence at the Azad Maidan. The Raza Academy had given the call for the demonstration.

TIH Bureau