More deaths in Indian religious strife

India has already seen communal rioting in Gujarat

By Charles Haviland BBC correspondent in Delhi

Two more people have been killed in religious violence in the western Indian town of Solapur.

One of the people who died on Saturday was fatally stabbed in clashes between Hindus and Muslims.

The other was killed by police firing, the home minister of Maharashtra state told the BBC.

The clashes began on Friday when crowds gathered to protest at remarks against the prophet Mohammed by right-wing American evangelist, the Reverend Jerry Falwell.

The demonstrations gave way to communal violence in which five people were killed on Friday.

Controversial comments

The whole of Solapur has now been placed under curfew until early on Sunday.

Mr Falwell's comments angered many Muslims

This textile town, 450 km southeast of Bombay, has no reputation for sectarian violence.

A neighbouring part of western India, Gujarat state, has witnessed extensive clashes between Hindus and Muslims since February.

Tensions there are still very high.

A week ago Mr Falwell, who has long been controversial, sparked outrage among many Muslims by describing the prophet Mohammed as a terrorist.