Delhi, the national capital of India, is on high alert after fresh incidents of communal violence erupted in neighbouring Haryana on Tuesday night. The clashes, which started in Nuh district on Monday, have spread to Gurugram and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), leaving five people dead and several injured.
What triggered the violence?
The violence was sparked by a video posted on social media, allegedly showing a Hindu man being beaten up by a Muslim mob in Nuh. The video went viral and provoked a backlash from Hindu groups, who planned a procession in the area on Monday evening.
According to some reports, the procession was also meant to celebrate the release of Monu Manesar, a cow vigilante who was arrested for lynching a Muslim man in 2019. However, other sources claimed that Monu Manesar was not part of the procession and that the video was unrelated to him.
As the procession reached Nuh town, it was attacked by stone-pelters and arsonists, who set fire to vehicles and shops. The police intervened and fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the mob. Four people, including two home guards, were killed in the violence on Monday.
How did the violence spread?
The violence did not subside on Tuesday, as more incidents of arson and skirmishes were reported from Gurugram, Faridabad and Sohna. Several shops were torched at Sector 70 of Gurugram on Tuesday night, while some vehicles were damaged in Faridabad. In Sohna, a clash broke out between two groups over a religious issue.
The police have deployed additional forces and imposed Section 144, which prohibits assembly of more than four people, in Nuh and Gurugram districts. Mobile internet services have been suspended in Nuh and Faridabad to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory messages. Schools and colleges have been closed in Gurugram and Faridabad as a precautionary measure.
What is the government’s response?
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has condemned the violence and said that it was a well-thought out conspiracy perpetrated by anti-social elements. He has assured that strict action will be taken against the culprits and that peace and harmony will be restored in the state.
He has also appealed to the people to maintain calm and not fall prey to rumours or provocations. He has asked the district administrations and the police to ensure law and order and protect the lives and property of the citizens.
Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana has also issued an alert for the national capital and enhanced patrolling in sensitive areas. He has instructed the police personnel to be vigilant and prevent any untoward incident in Delhi.
What is the public’s reaction?
The public reaction to the violence has been mixed, with some expressing shock and anger over the loss of lives and property, while others calling for peace and dialogue. Some have also blamed the political parties and the media for fanning communal hatred and polarisation.
Many social media users have shared videos and photos of the violence, while others have urged people to verify the facts before sharing or forwarding any message. Some have also expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
What is the way forward?
The violence in Haryana has raised serious concerns over the communal harmony and social fabric of the region. It has also exposed the vulnerability of social media platforms to spread misinformation and incite violence.
The need of the hour is to restore calm and confidence among the communities and prevent any further escalation of tension. The authorities must ensure swift justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators. The civil society must also play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation among different faiths and groups
