As many as 43 persons were arrested in connection with arson during a Muharram procession in Biora town where curfew was relaxed for two hours Friday to enable people to purchase essential goods.

As no untoward incident was reported, the curfew, imposed on January 31 following violence in the town, was relaxed for two hours from 0700 hours to allow people purchase essential commodities, official sources said.

Police teams patrolled the streets and a sharp vigil was being maintained to prevent further flare up, police said adding, 43 persons were arrested for curfew violation, arson and violence.

Violence had erupted after a dispute related to damage caused during the Muharram procession to posters pasted by Vishwa Hindu Parishad workers. Police said agitated mob torched two motorcycles and several huts on Suthalia road, besides ransacking some shops.