Curfew to be relaxed in Sangli after all-party meet

An all-party meet on Tuesday finally helped pave way for peace in Maharashtra's Sangli after curfew was imposed in the town following communal violence over Ganpati visarjan.

After the meeting, it was decided that curfew will be relaxed in the area and Ganesh idols will be immersed now.

It was also decided that cases against all political workers will be withdrawn. However, political leaders, who are not from Sangli, have been asked not to go to the area.

Late last week, two communities clashed in the area, putting the twin towns of Miraj and Sangli under curfew since Sunday. Following that, majority of Ganesh mandals had refused to immerse their idols.

Since elections in Maharashtra are five weeks away, political parties found an opportunity in this conflict.

As the Sena raised the rhetoric in Sangli, BJP's Gopinath Munde attempted to fly to the region, only to be stopped at Mumbai airport on the grounds that his visit would create more trouble. His agitating supporters were lathicharged.

About 1200 additional policemen have been called in, and over 200 people from both communities have been arrested in the affected area.