Curfew relaxed in Batala, situation peaceful

Curfew was today relaxed by the authorities for some time as no untoward incident was reported in this industrial town, which witnessed violence over publication of a picture of Jesus Christ in an allegedly objectionable manner.

The curfew was relaxed for about one and a half hours to facilitate people to buy essential commodities, police said, adding that the situation was peaceful and under control.

Meanwhile, several Hindu organisations, including the Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal and the VHP, took out a march from Kila Mandir to Nehru Gate in the town, officials said here.

Curfew was imposed in the town on Saturday after two communities clashed and indulged in vandalising public property over publication of a picture of Jesus Christ allegedly in an objectionable manner.