Nuh Violence: Explained
On 31st July 2023, communal violence broke out in Haryana’s Nuh district as mobs attacked the Vishva Hindu Parishad procession, resulting in the deaths of two home guards and injuries to more than 15 others, including policemen. The violence led to the suspension of mobile internet services in the district till 2nd August 2023 due to “intense communal tension.” Moreover, the internet suspension was further extended till 5th August 2023.
The Violent Clashes and Aftermath
The violence occurred after a group of people stopped the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s ‘Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra’ near Khedla Mod in Nuh. The procession was targeted with stones, and cars and a shop were set on fire, while the road remained blocked for hours. The clashes were intense, leading to significant casualties and damage.
Measures Taken by the Government
To contain the escalating situation, Haryana’s Home Minister, Anil Vij, informed that additional forces have been dispatched from neighboring districts, with efforts made to send reinforcements by helicopter. More than 2,500 people, including devotees and those seeking shelter, were evacuated from the Shiva temple in Nuh, where they had taken refuge during the clashes.
Impact on the Region
The communal tensions prompted authorities to temporarily close educational institutions in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Palwal districts as a precautionary measure. The situation remains sensitive, and the government is taking swift action to maintain law and order.
Trigger for the Nuh Violence: Rumors and Provocations
The violence in Nuh began shortly after a procession, consisting of approximately 200 people, commenced its march from Edward Chowk in Nuh town around 2 pm. As the group moved along the main road, it faced a barrage of rocks from a large crowd, forcing the Hindu side to initially retreat. However, the Hindu group allegedly regrouped and retaliated against the attackers.
One of the key triggers for the violence was a rumor that Monu Manesar, a member of Bajrang Dal and a cow vigilante, who had been previously booked for the murder of two Muslim men in Bhiwani district in February, would be part of the procession. This rumor gained traction after a video featuring Manesar began circulating on social media the day before the incident.
In response to the escalating tension, Monu Manesar clarified that he heeded the advice of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and chose not to participate in the procession to avoid further provocation and unrest. Furthermore, there were threatening messages on Twitter daring him to be present in Nuh, which further added to the apprehension surrounding his potential involvement.
Amidst conflicting accounts, Nasir Ahmed, a resident of the Punhana neighborhood in Nuh, accused people in the procession of raising provocative slogans that likely contributed to the escalation of hostilities. On the other hand, Iqbal Khan, a resident of Firozpur Jhirka, alleged that individuals in the procession initiated the violence by attacking innocent passersby.
The situation in Nuh remains complex, with multiple factors contributing to the outbreak of violence. Rumors, social media posts, provocative actions, and counterattacks played a significant role in heightening tensions and resulting in tragic clashes. As the authorities investigate the incident further, it is crucial to address the underlying issues and promote peace-building efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.
Protest in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) in the wake of Nuh Violence
On 2nd August 2023, Two days after the Nuh violence, various Hindu outfits such as Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Hindu Yuva Vahini held protests in different areas of Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad on the same day.
On 2nd August 2023, the Supreme Court refused to pass an order to stay the planned protest of the Hindu outfits in the wake of Nuh violence. Instead, the court issued directions, instructing the Delhi police, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana to take suo motu action against individuals engaged in hate speeches and violence.
Way Forward
The recent communal clashes in Haryana’s Nuh district have led to tragic casualties and heightened tensions. The government is taking steps to control the situation and maintain public safety. It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards fostering harmony and peace in the region.
