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Clash over unfurling BJP flags leaves eight hurt in Nagercoil

At least two people, including a Bharatiya Janata Party activist, were seriously injured in police firing and six others were hurt in stone-throwing. The police opened fire to disperse two groups that clashed over the hoisting of BJP flags at Vaikkompara near Sucheendram in Tamil Nadu today.

According to the police, firing was resorted to when the crowd failed to disperse after three rounds were fired in the air. Two of those injured were rushed to the government headquarters hospital in Nagercoil. The other injured, including sub-inspector Krishnan, were also admitted to the same hospital.

The police said the incident occurred after a group led by Kulasekharapuram panchayat president Morris removed BJP flags from the streets. The flags had been put up on the occasion of the 75th birthday celebrations of Prime Minister A B Vajpayee.

The relations between the two groups have been tense for the past two months. Police patrolling has been increased in the area.

UNI

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