Haryana: Clashes erupt during procession; 2,500 Hindus stuck in temple
Violent clashes between two communities reportedly broke out in Haryana's Nuh during a religious procession on Monday. Five persons were injured as a Muslim mob allegedly pelted stones and fired shots during the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. Around 2,500 Hindus have been forced to take shelter inside a temple near Gurugram, reported NDTV.
Watch: Visuals from violence-struck Nuh
Mobile internet, SMS services suspended
As members from two communities pelted stones at each other, the police reportedly had to resort to teargas shells to disperse the crowds following which reinforcements were also called in. Meanwhile, mobile internet and SMS services have been suspended in Nuh until Wednesday in order to prevent the spread of rumors and contain the communal tensions in the area, according to the Haryana government.
Cops organize flag march after clashes
BJP leader flagged off procession in Gurugram
Citing police officials, Hindustan Times reported the religious procession, Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, was launched from Gurugram's Civil Lines by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) district chief Gargi Kakkar on Monday. However, when it reached the Khedla Mod area in Nuh, a Muslim mob allegedly stopped the procession, following which stones were pelted, per reports. Several vehicles were also set on fire in the incident.
Objectionable video triggered clashes; 2,500 Hindus stranded: Reports
Following the clashes in Nuh, as many as 2,500 Hindus have taken shelter in the Nulhar Mahadev Temple near Gurugram, reported NDTV. They had come to participate in the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. The authorities are yet to evacuate those stranded at the temple. Meanwhile, reports claimed that an objectionable video shared by a Bajrang Dal member on social media triggered the violence.
Cow vigilante's participation led to locals' retaliation
Reportedly, Bajrang Dal activist Monu Manesar—an alleged cow vigilante accused in the murder cases of two Muslim men—and his aides posted the objectionable video online a few days ago. Moreover, their participation in the religious procession elicited retaliation from the locals in Nuh's Khedla Mod.
State government dispatches additional forces to Nuh
Speaking about the Nuh incident, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij told PTI the government ordered the deployment of additional security forces from neighboring districts. He also discussed the issue with top government and police officials. "Our first priority is to bring the situation under control. We are appealing to all to maintain peace. We are also trying to send forces by helicopter," he said.
Congress's Nuh MLA slams BJP-JJP government
Reacting to the incident, Congress leader and Nuh MLA Chaudhary Aftab Ahmed reportedly stated, "We are appealing to people to maintain peace and not pay heed to rumors." Criticizing the BJP and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) coalition government in Haryana for the alleged administrative lapses, he added, "The situation is unfortunate. I have never seen such failure of administration and police."
