AHMEDABAD, 19 December 2002 — Police yesterday fired tear-gas and live rounds to break up clashes between Hindus and Muslims in India’s riot-torn state of Gujarat, where the Hindu nationalist BJP romped to electoral victory at the weekend.

"There was stone-throwing by both communities and some houses were also burned in two areas of Baroda," a police spokesman said.

He said the rioting, in the city of Baroda some 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of the commercial city Ahmedabad, had begun Tuesday night and had carried on into early yesterday morning.

"Police had to lob several rounds of tear-gas and fire a few rounds before the situation was brought under control," the spokesman said, adding that no serious injuries had been reported.

Communal tension has spread through many parts of Gujarat after the election results were declared on Sunday, when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged victory celebrations in major centers.

Police said that since Sunday, Baroda has been witnessing rioting every night.

"Violence is continuing because both communities are reacting to slight provocations from the other," said police commissioner D.D. Tuteja.

"We have arrested some miscreants yesterday which should bring back normalcy in the city," he added. On Monday night, two mosques in different areas of Baroda were attacked by large groups of Hindus who had taken part in BJP victory rallies.

Witnesses said after a BJP victory rally a crowd of around 4,000 people gathered outside a mosque in the Hindu-dominated Chipwad area of Baroda.

The lock of the door was forced and the mob entered the mosque, burning the dais where the imam performs prayers and destroying the interior. In another incident on the same day, Kadia mosque in the Raopura area of the city was also attacked by Hindus celebrating the BJP victory.

"Tension is being created in the city by only a handful of unemployed people. These hooligans come out in the night and disturb the peace," said Zubeir Gopalani, a Muslim leader in Baroda.

The BJP romped to overwhelming victory in Thursday’s poll, snaring a surprise two-thirds majority with 126 seats in the 182-member assembly. Curfew in Rajkot was still in force following violence on Sunday and Monday. (AFP)