VERAVAL, Gujarat: Muslims and Hindus burned buildings and threw acid at police who responded by firing on them yesterday in the third day of sectarian violence in this coastal town of Gujarat, police said. At least 14 people were injured.A curfew, imposed on Monday to subdue the violence that has left two people dead and at least 13 wounded, was lifted yesterday but reimposed within hours after fighting broke out again, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police T S Bist.

Six rioters were admitted to hospital after police fired about 20 rounds at mobs that were burning shops and fish warehouses, Bist said.

Yesterday, Muslim residents of Veraval demanded the reconstruction of three Islamic shrines they alleged had been burned down by Hindus this week. "Unfortunately, even police did not bother to stop these fanatics who attacked the places of religious worship," they said.

However, Superintendent of Police B D Vaghela rejected the allegation, saying those involved in the attacks on the shrines had been arrested, and security tightened at all places of worship.

Several local Hindus also accused Muslims of throwing stones at a Hindu temple in Veraval.