In India, a court has directed that 16 politicians and community leders should be arrested for inciting deadly religious violence in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

CEOAFRICA.com gathered that the politicians were from India’s ruling Congress Party, the main opposition BJP and other parties. Also, more than 69 people are wanted for participating in the riot.

The clash which erupted on 7 September claimed not less than 50 lives in the town of Muzaffarnagar. It was described as the worst of its kind ever witnessed in India for a decade.

State Police Spokesperson, Manoj Jha, said the politicians are wanted for instigating violence through inflammatory speeches.

"The court in Muzaffarnagar today ordered their arrest after we registered cases against 69 people who include leaders from some political parties," he said.

Meanwhile, some of the accused politicians appeared on Indian Television Channels, denying their involvement in the crisis.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited some of the victims who have sought shelter in makeshift camps. He promised to punish those involved directly or indirectly.