In pictures: Religious clashes hit Muzaffarnagar

Indian soldiers look on from a military vehicle during a patrol following communal riots between Muslims and Hindus in Muzaffarnagar, India's Uttar Pradesh state, on September 9, 2013. — Image caption,
Several villages in Muzaffarnagar in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh are under curfew after at least 28 people were killed in religious clashes over the weekend. Correspondents say the clashes are the deadliest India has seen for a decade.

In this Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 photograph, an unidentified group shouts slogans as Indian security forces arrive to quell communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar district, India

Violence broke out on Saturday after the killing of three men who had protested against the alleged harassment of a local woman.

In this Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 photograph, Indian security forces arrive following communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar district, India.

Anger was stoked further when a video, now dismissed as a fake and apparently showing the lynching of two men, was circulated. Hindu farmers held a meeting to protest against the killings.

An Indian woman, who received a gunshot wound to her leg, is pictured at a hospital following communal riots between Muslims and Hindus in Muzaffarnagar

Clashes between Hindus and Muslims then spread to neighbouring villages and continued into Sunday. More than 50 people were injured and there are fears the death toll could rise.

In this photo, people argue with Indian policemen during curfew hours following riots and clashes between two communities in Muzaffarnagar in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

As residents spoke of their fear amid a volatile situation, more than 100 people were arrested on charges of inciting violence.

Indian soldiers detain two individuals following communal riots between Muslims and Hindus in Muzaffarnagar, India's Uttar Pradesh state, on September 9, 2013.

Some 800 troops have been deployed in the area to stop the clashes spreading further.

In this Saturday, Sept. 9, 2013 photo, an Indian policeman stands guard during a curfew hours following riots and clashes between two communities in Muzaffarnagar

Reports say shops and schools were still closed on Monday in and around Muzaffarnagar.

Indian soldiers keep watch during a patrol following communal riots between Muslims and Hindus in Muzaffarnagar, India"s Uttar Pradesh state, on September 9, 2013

Uttar Pradesh experienced some of the worst religious clashes in India after a Hindu mob razed the 16th Century Babri Mosque in the holy city of Ayodhya in 1992, prompting nationwide rioting in which more than 2,000 people died.

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