A small communal fight among taxi drivers some weeks back and threat that another fight could turn political has driven local cops to write to the airport CEO asking him to disallow taxi unions from conduct religious functions inside the airport premises.

The cops claim that political parties may fan communal sentiments during such religious functions and result in clashes which may create a law and order problem.

“The airport is a high security zone. The constant clashes among taxi drivers over communal issues could be used by political parties tospread their agenda, especially with elections just around the corner,” said a senior police official who has direct knowledge about developments in the case. In the letter, the police have reportedly asked MIAL to ensure that taxi drivers do not conduct any religious programmes inside the airport.

Sources say that taxi drivers routinely celebrate functions and even offer prayers on certain days and during festivals. On Monday, two groups of taxi drivers had fought after one of the drivers allegedly threw a saffron flag erected during the Ganpati festival. The situation was brought under control by the police, even though certain activists from political parties did try to interfere.

“The airport premises have been provided to taxi drivers just to facilitate easy commuting for passengers. Any kind of religious activities will not be allowed inside it,” added the same officer. Rajendra Nagbhire, senior inspector of Airport police station refused to comment. A MIAL spokesperson refused to comment saying that she was unaware of any such letter from the police.

The initiative by the police has come keeping in mind the communal clashes which happened a few weeks ago in Muzzafarnagar. The fight between the two communities led to the deaths of over 43 people while thousand fled what has been described as the worst communal fights in Uttar Pradesh in the last 20 years. The fight flared up after political leaders charged up the tense situation by circulating fake riot images and making inflammatory speeches.

Learning from past mistakesOn Monday, two groups of taxi drivers had fought after one of the drivers allegedly threw a saffron flag erected during the Ganpati festival. The situation was brought under control by the police, even though certain activists from political parties did try to interfere.