District officials in Mau have issued shoot at sight orders as fresh violence broke out in this communally sensitive town on Saturday, despite imposition of curfew and deployment of paramilitary and RAF forces.
Gunshots were heard and people were seen running out of the lanes and bylanes looking for cover. "We are trying to control the situation," District Magistrate H S Yadav said.
There was no official confirmation on any further casualty but unconfirmed reports said two persons have died in the fresh outbreak of violence taking the toll to five since Thursday.
Trouble arose when members of a particular community raised objections over celebrations of Bharat Milap, a part of Dussehra festivities, in Shahi Katra Grounds, much to the annoyance of the other community who assembled there after which both sides indulged in heavy stone pelting.
The administration has banned the entry of any political leaders in the town in view of the tense situation after some political parties decided to send fact-finding teams here. Curfew was clamped in three police station areas of the town on Friday, following the clashes.
