Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil appeals for peace after violence

MUMBAI: After a protest in Mumbai against Assam riots today turned violent, prompting the police to fire in the air, Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil has appealed for peace.

Patil, who was in his home district Sangli in western Maharashtra, has left for Mumbai after the incident, his spokesperson said.

The minister has appealed to people to maintain calm, he said. He reviewed the situation with senior officials, the spokesperson added.

The protesters had gathered at the Azad Maidan ground in south Mumbai to condemn the violence in Assam.