In Uttar Pradesh, the situation in Muzaffarnagar is limping back to normalcy. Authorities claim that no major untoward incident has been reported from anywhere for more than 24 hours. ADG, Law and Order, Arun Kumar told All India Radio that curfew has been relaxed for four hours.Strict vigil and patrolling by the army and paramilitary forces, continues in Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Meerut while Baghpat and Saharanpur are being taken care of by a large number of paramilitary forces.Meanwhile, police thana in-charges of Meerapur and Dhaurakalan have been suspended late last night on charges of dereliction of duty. Our correspondent reports that a four hour relaxation has been given from 12 to 4.00 pm today in the curfew hit city areas of Muzaffarnagar. People were seen making long queues outside provision stores, bakeries, medical stores and other shops to purchase essential items for their families. At some places kids were also seen playing cricket. However intensive vigil and combing operations by the security forces are going on to nab the perpetrators of violence in the troubled areas. The civil and army officers are making all efforts to put life back on the normal course as soon as possible.

The Home Minister has said that political parties could be behind the violence in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Talking to reporters in New Delhi today, Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde said, he will not blame anyone as his Ministry had alerted 11 states that group clashes could take place in view of upcoming general elections.
Law Minister Kapil Sibal said that nothing should be done at the moment which can vitiate the atmosphere in the affected district. Describing the incident as shameful and painful, Mr Sibal asked the media to help create a conducive environment in the district. He was replying to a query on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi, this afternoon.