Communal violence in Haryana’s Nuh, 2,500 people stranded in temple

Clashes broke out between two communities in the Nuh district of Haryana on Monday. The violence reportedly started when a group of individuals attacked vehicles belonging to Vishwa Hindu Parishad workers near the Nalhar Mahadev temple in Nuh, Mewat.

The situation quickly escalated during a religious procession in Nuh, with around 2,500 men, women and children seeking safety at a nearby temple. The area outside the temple became tense as stone-throwing and arson incidents were reported.

In response, the police used tear gas and shots in the air, while calling for reinforcements. The clashes resulted in around 20 people being injured, and one person was shot and evacuated.

To prevent further escalation, internet services have been suspended and prohibition orders have been imposed to ban large gatherings.

The violence initially erupted when a group of youths stopped the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, on the Gurugram-Alwar National Highway. Stones were thrown at the procession, causing further riots. The angry mob targeted both government and private vehicles during the escalation of the situation.

At present, the stranded people who arrived for the religious procession have sought refuge in the Nulhar Mahadev temple, while their vehicles remain outside. However, the police have faced challenges in evacuating them.

Reports suggest the standoff was sparked by an objectionable video posted on social media by a Bajrang Dal activist named Monu Manesar, who has a criminal record. The video circulated a few days earlier, where he openly declared his intention to stay in Mewat during the yatra, allegedly leading to retaliation from the locals.

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