With the 2014 polls approaching, there is a spike in communal polarisation in the state, which could impact on the electoral outcome. The police have arrested more than 40 BJP activists so far in connection with the clashes.
The BJP condemned the arrest of party activists, alleging that the police and administration worked together to give a communal flavour to the Muzaffarnagar incident.
"Our local leaders Umesh Malik and Sanjay Baliyan among other BJP workers have been sent behind bars on the direction of the SP government. The attacks were planned by a particular community. We will meet the governor on Monday and will hand over a memorandum to him," state BJP chief L.K.Vajpai told Mail Today.
To contain the riots sparked by the killing of three villagers belonging to two different communities, the state government has called in Army troops.
Destruction: A tractor is seen engulfed in flames in Muzaffarnagar district
Officials said that apart from the Army, 10,000 PAC personnel, 1,300 CRPF men and 1,200 RAF personnel have been deployed.
Warnings: Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav pledged that rioters would 'not go scot-free'
The police claimed that some unscrupulous elements were using social networking sites and SMSes to spread rumours to create tension in the state.
"A fake video is also being circulated through Facebook and other networking sites. The video is probably over two years' old and is of some other country," Inspector General (Crime) Ashish Gupta said.
The incidents of violence were reported in the Sisauli, Shahpur, Fugna, Kalapar and Dhaurakala areas of the Muzaffarnagar district.
To analyse the deteriorating situation, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav held a meeting with Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, ministers, and senior officials at his residence on Sunday afternoon.
The Akhilesh Yadav government has been facing flak over the rising incidents of communal violence in Uttar Pradesh. At least 30 have taken place since he assumed office in 2012.
The Chief Minister appealed to the residents of Muzaffarnagar to remain calm and help the administration restore peace.
"Those behind the clashes will not be spared," he said.
With agency inputs
Alert in Uttarakhand
By Press Trust of IndiaIn the wake of communal tension in Muzaffarnagar in neighbouring UP, a high alert has been sounded across Uttarakhand.
Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar has asked the administration and the police force to be vigilant especially in Dehradun, Hardwar and Udhamsingh Nagar districts which border UP in view of the volatile situation in Muzaffarnagar, sources said on Sunday.
Principal secretary (home) Omparkash held an emergency meeting with police and transport department officials and asked them to divert the route of Uttarakhand Roadways buses going to Delhi via Paonta Sahib instead of Muzaffarnagar.
Police try to stop Congress workers protesting against the Muzaffarnagar riots in Allahabad
Centre asks for report on riots
By Press Trust of IndiaThe Centre has sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government on violence in Muzaffarnagar and directed it to take strong action to curb riots.
Home ministry officials are in regular touch with the Uttar Pradesh government and have assured it of all possible help to control the violence in the western UP district.
Ongoing violence: An angry mob attacks a car with sticks during communal clashes
Official sources said the Centre has asked the state government to take necessary steps to ensure that communal tension does not spread to other parts of the state. If necessary, steps like preventive arrest and house arrest of those who may create trouble to disturb peace should be taken, the sources said.
The Home Ministry is particularly worried that there have been attempts to break the social fabric of UP in the recent past and such attempts have increased recently, they said.
Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has already spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and discussed the issue on Saturday.