The opposition has accused the state government of failing to act in time to prevent the violence but the ruling Samajwadi Party has hit back, saying its rivals were trying to stir up communal trouble.
The chief minister saw a “political conspiracy” behind the riots to destabilize his government while rivals BJP, BSP and RLD accused the SP of trying to advance its political interests by polarising voters. They demanded imposition of central rule in the state.
Union Home Ministry asked the state government to send Muzaffarnagar situation report every 12 hours. It also asked the state government to deploy enough forces in rural areas in the district where violence is yet to be contained.
Authorities cancelled 1,744 arms licenses in Bhorkala, Shahpur, Phugana and some other areas of the district.
The state government has also shunted out Saharanpur DIG, SSP Muzaffarnagar and SP Shamli. Violence-hit Muzaffarnagar lies in Saharanpur range.
