INTERNATIONAL: Indian authorities have demolished the homes of several people accused of involvement in riots last week triggered by derogatory remarks made by ruling party figures about Islam's Prophet Mohammad. The clashes between Hindus and Muslims also killed two teenagers, officials said on Sunday 12th June.

Police across India have arrested protesters on the charges of participating in violent demonstration and damaging properties following derogatory remarks against Islam's Prophet Mohammed by a spokesperson of India's ruling party, officials said on Sunday 12th June.

Clashes erupted in India on Friday 10th June as Muslims took to the streets to protest against anti-Islamic comments made by two members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Police in India's northern Saharanpur town, which saw violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators, said they have made at least 71 arrests so far.

The clashes and arrests were followed by a demolition drive in Saharanpur, where the houses of those who were accused of being involved in the protests were razed by the authorities.

The houses were illegally constructed, said the police.

Meanwhile, protests continued in Durgapur town of eastern West Bengal state where the demonstrators held a rally carrying effigies of Indian Interior Minister Amit Shah and shouted slogans.

Earlier this month, the BJP suspended its spokeswoman Nupur Sharma and Jindal, for their controversial comments about the Prophet's private life that also angered several Muslim countries, causing a massive diplomatic challenge for the Modi government.

Police cases have been filed against both of them.

The outrage against the comments made by Sharma and Jindal has trended on Twitter, with Muslim groups demanding the arrest of the two, while some hardline Hindu groups label the two officials as brave and nationalist politicians.

Authorities enforced an emergency law prohibiting public gatherings in the industrial district of Howrah until June 16. At least 70 people were arrested on charges of rioting and disturbing public order, with internet services suspended for over 48 hours after the latest communal violence.

Countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Iran which are key trade partners for India lodged protests through diplomatic channels and used social media to demand an apology from the government.

BJP leaders have issued instructions to several senior members to be "extremely cautious" when talking about religion on public platforms and the government continues to tighten public security.

^{PHOTO: FIRE BURNING IN NEIGHBOURHOOD / POLICE TRYING TO EXTINGUISH FIRE / PROTESTERS PELTING STONES AT POLICE / SMOKE FROM TEAR GAS SHELLS / DAMAGED CARS ON STREET / VANDALISED HINDU TEMPLE / POLICE MAKING CHECKS ON STREET / SOUNDBITE OF POLICE OFFICIAL SAYING PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AND SOUNDBITE FROM HINDU PRIEST}