Several shops were attacked at Pataudi Chowk in Khandsa Road after fresh violence broke out in Gurugram. Reportedly, more than 200 men carrying petrol cans in different vehicles allegedly set the shops ablaze. However, no fatalities have been reported so far. In response to the clash, Delhi police has been been put on alert while 4000 personnel’s have been deployed at Faridabad
Earlier on Tuesday, a 26 year old Imam was killed after a mob attacked a mosque in Gurugram after which the mosque was set on fire. An FIR has been filed against the attackers and several of them have been arrested while the police continues to raid various places. According to Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana, as many as Five people have been killed in the communal clash so far.
Social Media Videos And Threats
Two days prior to communal violence in Nuh, rumours and threats widely circulated on the social media. Mohammad Sabir Khan had posted on the social media threatening a clash if the procession invited Monu Manesar onboard. Thus, there were signs of violence escalating following the procession. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said that the ongoing clash is a part of a larger conspiracy while Rao Inderjit Singh, Gurgaon MP and Union Minister of State questioned the possession of swords in the religious procession.
What Led To Gurugram Clashes? Nuh Violence
In the Muslim dominated Nuh district of Haryana, violent clashes erupted between two groups after ‘Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra’ organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal got stopped by a group of men near Khedla Mod. Reports also suggest that an objectionable video posted by a Bajrang Dal activist on social media triggered the communal clash. Monu Manesar who is currently being investigated for the same was booked for the murder of two muslim men earlier this year in the month of February. As the violence escalated, several cars were burned and stones were thrown at the police while the mob continued to target Private and government vehicles.
About 2,500 people had joined the religious procession, however, after the violence, they were left stranded at a temple before being rescued by the police. About 2 home guards were killed and 15 others were injured on Monday. So far 44 FIR’s have registered and 70 people have been taken into custody as the clash slowly started spreading into other regions of Haryana such as Gurugram and Palwal.
Actions Taken So Far
Curfew has been imposed in Nuh and large gatherings of more than 5 people are prohibited in Gurugram, Palwal and Faridabad. Internet services have been suspended in Nuh till 2nd of August. District administration of Gurugram announced all schools, colleges and educational institutions to remain shut on Tuesday. A 1000 policemen from Faridabad and Gurgaon have been positioned in Nuh to counter any possible violent breakouts in the region.
Uttar Pradesh tightened its security around areas bordering Haryana with places like Mathura, Agra, Meerut, Saharanpur, firozabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar being put on high alert. Delhi has also been put on alert and patrolling has been boosted in areas surrounding the border with paramilitary force deployed at strategic locations. According to Dependra Pathak, special commissioner ( law and order) drones will be used to monitor any accumulation of stones and bricks on terraces of the affected areas.
