Introduction
The peaceful district of Nuh in Haryana, India, was spoiled by violence on July 31, 2023, during a religious procession organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). The clashes that broke out during the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra left two home guards and a civilian dead, with several police officers injured. The violence did not remain confined to Nuh but spread to Gurugram’s Sohna as well, where mobs set vehicles on fire and blocked roads. This blog explores the events leading up to the tragic clash, the immediate aftermath, and the urgent need for unity and peace in the region.
Spark that Ignited the Fire in Nuh
The Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, flagged off from Gurugram’s Civil Lines by BJP district president Gargi Kakkar, was intended to be a peaceful religious procession. However, the procession faced obstruction when a group of individuals near Nuh’s Khedla Mod attempted to stop it, pelting stones and setting vehicles on fire. Reports confidently indicate that the clashes were unequivocally triggered by an objectionable video posted on social media by a resolute Bajrang Dal activist from Ballabhgarh, leaving no room for uncertainty or doubt in their assessment of the situation. The situation quickly escalated, leading to tragic consequences.
Rumours and Tensions
Amid the chaos, rumours circulated that Monu Manesar, a cow vigilante who was previously booked for the murder of two Muslim men in Bhiwani district, might join the yatra. However, Monu Manesar refuted these claims, stating that he listened to the VHP’s advice to refrain from participating in the yatra to prevent any further tension. Despite his statement, the violence continued to escalate, resulting in injuries to several policemen and the tragic deaths of two home guards, Neeraj and Gursevak.
Spillover Effect
The violence in Nuh did not remain confined to the district itself. It spread over to Gurugram’s Sohna, where incidents of stone-throwing, arson, and sloganeering were reported during the violent protests. Mobs set fire to four vehicles and a shop, causing further chaos and disruptions in the area. As the situation continued to deteriorate, the administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in both Gurugram and Nuh to restore order and curb further violence.
Urgent Measures for Peace and Containment
To contain the escalating tension, mobile internet services were suspended in Nuh district until August 2. The Haryana government took this step to prevent misinformation and curb the spread of violence through social media. The government also dispatched additional forces to Nuh from neighbouring districts, and efforts were made to evacuate approximately 2,500 people who had sought refuge at a Shiv temple in Nuh. The evacuation was successfully conducted by the police to ensure the safety of the sheltered individuals.
Call for Unity and Peace
In the wake of the tragic events, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar appealed for peace and unity among citizens. He urged everyone to embrace the principle of Haryana Ek Haryanvi Ek (Haryanvis are one) to foster harmony and solidarity. The Chief Minister reassured the public that those responsible for the violence would not be spared, and strict action would be taken against them.
Conclusion
The violence that erupted during the religious procession in Nuh, Haryana, is a tragic reminder of the fragility of communal harmony in our society. It emphasizes the need for open communication, understanding, and peaceful dialogue among communities to prevent such incidents in the future. As a society, we must reject violence and divisive ideologies, and instead, work together to build bridges of empathy and compassion.
Let us unite in our efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, and strive to create a world where people of all faiths and backgrounds can coexist harmoniously. Only through such collective efforts can we overcome the darkness of violence and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
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