Youths belonging to Dalit community clashed with policemen in Panchkula town in Haryana as violent protests that began in Gohana four days ago, spread to new areas in the State.
Panchkula (Haryana)/New Delhi, Aug 31 : Youths belonging to Dalit community clashed with policemen in Panchkula town in Haryana as violent protests that began in Gohana four days ago, spread to new areas in the State.
An irate mob showered policemen with stones and wooden planks, who had to run for cover and call in reinforcements.
A police official assured the situation was now under control.
"These people were trying to gather and take out a procession in the city. We tried stopping them, then they changed tracks and started pelting stones," said Sandeep, Superintendent of Police, Panchkula.
Violence spilled onto the streets across Haryana after unidentified assailants murdered a Dalit youth in Gohana town on August 27.
One person was killed and a dozen others, including policemen, injured as rampaging mob damaged state-run buses, set several vehicles on fire and pelted stones at policemen.
Caste- tensions have simmered ever since. Dalits have accused the police of using undue force during the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Dalit community met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and demanded speedy investigations into the murder case.
"It is clear that the violence was not perpetrated by a particular caste, it was the work of anti-social elements. Those who murdered the Dalit son should be tried and sentenced," said Jai Kishan, a Dalit politician who was part of the representation.
The situation in Gohana, origin of the violence, was reported to be limping back to normalcy after three days of violence followed by shutdowns.
ANI