Clashes in Haryana’s Nuh kills 5; Internet Suspended in the District till August 2

On Monday, five people, including two home guards were killed, and over 200 others severely injured in Nuh, Haryana, owing to escalating tensions.

According to reports, violent clashes broke out after Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s procession 'Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra' was halted by a group of men near the Khedla Mod. Dozens of vehicles were torched, several shops vandalized and stones were pelted at the rally.

Police reports noted that the clash and the resultant violence were triggered by the rumored presence of Bajrang Dal member Monu Maneswar in the rally. The dispute revolved around a controversial video on social media, shared by Monu and his associates.

Mobile and internet services have been suspended in Nuh district till August 2, to contain the intense tension and stop the spread of rumors and misinformation. In response to the escalating tensions, schools and colleges have closed, bringing routine life to a standstill. Among other prohibitory orders, a curfew has been imposed in the district. CAPF battalions have also been deployed in the affected district to maintain law and order.

The police have so far registered 20 cases, and detained over 20 individuals for further interrogation. "Police will take strict action against anyone involved in violence. The incident which took place was a build up of altercation between few people on social media and later a mob was involved. We will also probe if it was pre-planned," said Nuh SP, Narendra Bijarniya. CCTV footage of the inception point of the violence is being scanned by the police to identify the rioters.
The 2,500 people who had taken part in the procession were forced to take shelter in a nearby temple due to the the commotion outside. They were later rescued by the police.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has appealed to the masses to maintain peace and brotherhood. Speaking to the media, he said, “The violent clashes that broke out today are very unfortunate. I appeal to all the people to maintain peace. The trouble makers will be punished, and stringent action will be taken against them.”

Palwal and Gurugram also witnessed similar incidents of arson and stone pelting. Large gatherings have been banned in Gurugram, Faridabad and Palwal.

Speaking on the matter to ANI, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij added, “The situation in Nuh is under control and a curfew has been imposed in the district. Both communities have been staying in Nuh peacefully for a long time. There is a conspiracy behind this. The way stones, weapons, bullets were found, it seems there is a mastermind behind this. We will conduct a detailed investigation and take strict actions against the people involved in this.”