Riots in Aligarh

NEW DELHI, 7 April 2006 — Three people were killed and nine injured yesterday when Hindus and Muslims clashed over the use of loudspeakers in the northern Indian city of Aligarh, 120 km south of here. The rioting erupted in a crowded neighborhood of the town after Muslims objected to the use of loudspeakers on Wednesday night by Hindus, who were celebrating the birth anniversary of the Hindu deity Rama. Knives, bricks and bamboo sticks were used in the fighting, and police reported gunshots being fired. Eight of the injured were in critical condition, officials said. Curfew has been imposed on the Kotwali, Delhi Gate and Sasni Gate areas in the old city.