On Monday, 31 July 2023, communal violence erupted in Haryana's Nuh district, claiming the lives of six people, including two home guards, and injuring several others. The violence was triggered by a religious procession organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal, which was allegedly attended by a wanted accused in a previous murder case. The mob attacked a cyber police station, a mosque, an eatery and several shops, and set vehicles on fire. The police have arrested 116 people so far and registered 44 FIRs in connection with the violence.
What Led to the Violence?
- The 'Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra' was a procession to offer water to Lord Krishna at various temples in the Mewat region, which covers parts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
- The yatra was flagged off in Gurugram's Civil Lines by BJP district president Gargi Kakkar on Monday morning and was supposed to reach Ferozepur Jhirka via Nuh.
- However, when the yatra reached Nuh town around 2 pm, it was stopped by a group of men near Khedla Mod and stones were pelted at the participants.
- According to some reports, the violence was sparked by rumours that Monu Manesar, a Bajrang Dal leader who is wanted for his alleged role in the killing of two Muslim men in June this year, was part of the yatra.
- The police have denied that Monu Manesar was present in the yatra and said that he is still absconding.
How Did the Violence Escalate?
- As the situation turned tense, the mob entered the crowd and began attacking the yatra participants with stones, sticks and swords.
- The mob also targeted a cyber police station in Nuh, which had recently busted a cybercrime racket involving several locals. The mob crashed a public bus into the boundary wall of the police station and vandalised property and documents inside.
- The violence spread to other parts of Nuh district, where a mosque in Gurugram's Sector 57 was set on fire late on Monday night and the imam was killed. An eatery owned by a Muslim man was also burnt down and several shops were looted and damaged.
- The police resorted to firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the mob and imposed Section 144 of the CrPC to prohibit assembly of more than four people in Nuh and Gurugram districts.
What Has Been the Response of the Authorities?
- Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar condemned the violence and appealed for peace and harmony among all communities. He said that strict action will be taken against those involved in the violence and that compensation will be given to the victims' families.
- Khattar also said that his government's motto is 'Haryana Ek Haryanvi Ek' (Haryana is one, Haryanvi is one) and that no one will be allowed to disturb the social fabric of the state.
- Union Minister of State and Gurugram MP Rao Inderjit Singh also expressed his anguish over the violence and questioned who gave swords to the yatra participants. He said that such incidents tarnish the image of Haryana and hurt its development prospects.
- Opposition leaders from Congress, INLD and AAP criticised the Khattar government for failing to prevent the violence and demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter. They also accused the BJP of fomenting communal hatred for political gains.
What Are the Challenges Ahead?
- The violence in Nuh has exposed the deep-rooted communal tensions in the Mewat region, which has witnessed several clashes in the past over issues such as cow slaughter, love jihad and land disputes.
- The region is also known for its backwardness, poverty and lack of development opportunities for its predominantly Muslim population. According to NITI Aayog's rankings released in 2018, Nuh is the most backward district in India.
- The violence has also raised questions about the role of social media in spreading rumours and inciting violence. For two days before the violence, social media was rife with videos and threats related to the yatra and Monu Manesar's involvement.
- The violence has also highlighted the need for better policing and intelligence gathering in the region to prevent such incidents from recurring. The police have admitted that they were caught off guard by the scale and intensity of the violence.
Source
(1) For days before violence in Haryana's Nuh, social media was rife with videos and threats. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/for-days-before-violence-in-nuh-social-media-was-rife-with-videos-and-threats/articleshow/102332692.cms.
(2) Six people killed in communal violence in Haryana, 116 arrested so far: CM Khattar. https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/six-people-killed-in-communal-violence-in-haryana-116-arrested-so-far-cm-khattar.
(3) Nuh Violence: 'Who gave sword to Yatris?' BJP Minister condemns Haryana communal clashes. https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/nuh-violence-who-gave-sword-to-yatris-bjp-minister-condemns-haryana-communal-clashes-11690959692431.html.
(4) Haryana Nuh violence: Why did mob attack a cyber police station?. https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/nuh-communal-violence-rising-cybercrime-haryana-district-violence-police-12944742.html.
(5) How Violence in Haryana's Nuh Unfolded: An Eyewitness Account - The Quint. https://www.thequint.com/news/crime/nuh-violence-riots-section-144-gurgaon-mewat-haryana-latest-gurugram-news-updates.
(6) Nuh Violence News Live: 80 arrests, 44 FIRs in Haryana clashes; death .... https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/newsblogs/haryana-nuh-violence-news-live-gurgoan-haryana-curfew-latest-updates/liveblog/102332267.cms.
0 Comments