1-8-2023 (NEW DELHI) At least five people, including two police personnel, lost their lives in violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims that erupted on Monday, approximately 50 km (30 miles) south of New Delhi, according to police officials who spoke to Reuters.
The violence unfolded after a Hindu religious procession passed through the Muslim-dominated Nuh region in Haryana state. By evening, the clashes had spread to neighboring Gurugram, where a mosque was set on fire, resulting in the death of a cleric and injuring another person.
Gurugram, formerly known as Gurgaon, is a bustling business hub for the country, housing numerous multinational companies. As the situation escalated, local administration officials in Nuh initiated an investigation into the cause of the confrontation. On Tuesday, representatives of the Hindu and Muslim communities met with officials from Nuh and Gurugram’s local governments, appealing for calm in the tense situation.
According to Krishan Kumar, spokesperson of Nuh police, “The procession was meant to move from one temple to another, but clashes broke out between two groups on the way, which resulted in the death of four people.” Two of the deceased were members of the home guard, a voluntary force that assists the police in controlling civil disturbances. Additionally, 60 others, including 10 police personnel, were injured during the clashes.
To prevent further escalation, prohibitory orders were issued for Gurugram after some cars were set on fire on Monday evening, and educational institutions were directed to remain closed on Tuesday. The Gurugram Police stated that the attackers who torched the mosque had been identified and several of them had been apprehended. Security around places of worship was also increased to ensure public safety.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar condemned the incident in Nuh, where curfew orders were imposed, the internet was shut off, and additional security forces were deployed to maintain peace and stability. The authorities are working diligently to restore calm in the affected areas and prevent further violence.
???????????? – Violence and flames engulf #India’s state of #Haryana as Hindu-Muslim clashes leave at least 12 dead including 2 cops.#Hindu religious procession passed through #Muslim-dominated Nuh region and all hell broke loose, with entire roads ablaze and mosque torched, killing… pic.twitter.com/wfX4xCdt6s
— ????????The Informant (@theinformantofc) August 1, 2023
