In a disturbing turn of events, communal clashes broke out during a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) procession in the Nuh district of Haryana. The clashes resulted in the tragic deaths of two home guards and a civilian, while more than 15 others, including several policemen, were left injured. The violence initially erupted in the Muslim-dominated Nuh but soon spread to other areas, with mobs in Sohna also indulging in stone-pelting and setting vehicles ablaze.
Who is Monu Manesar?
The focal point of these clashes is Monu Manesar (also known as Mohit Yadav), an active member of the Bajrang Dal, and a cow rakshak i.e. a member of the cow protection task force implemented by the Haryana government in Gurgaon. He has gained notoriety over the past five years for his involvement in safeguarding the interests of cows. He has also been accused of kidnapping and killing two suspected cow smugglers named Junaid and Nasir in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur. This particular incident had sparked outrage and garnered attention on social media with the hashtag #ArrestMonuManesar.
He was reportedly supposed to join the procession, but his presence was avoided upon the advice of the VHP, fearing it would escalate tensions.
The Clashes
The clashes erupted merely ten minutes after the VHP procession began, when a group of people allegedly threw stones at the rally near Nand village in Nuh district. Initially, the Hindu side fled, but retaliation soon followed. Reports suggest that the trigger for the clash might have been an objectionable video posted on social media by a Bajrang Dal activist in Ballabhgarh, coupled with the rumored presence of Monu Manesar at the procession.
Impact and Response
The violence and tension led to the evacuation of more than 2,500 people, including women and children, from the Shiva temple in Nuh. The Union home ministry has dispatched 15 additional companies of central forces to Haryana to control the situation. The Haryana government has also sought 20 companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) from the Centre to maintain law and order in the Nuh district. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure were imposed in Gurugram and Nuh. While mobile internet services were suspended in Nuh district to curb the escalating communal tension.
Political Fallout
The opposition Congress and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) have criticized the ruling BJP-JJP government in Haryana for failing to maintain law and order. Leaders have demanded accountability from Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala. The situation has raised concerns among political circles, with senior leaders expressing deep worry about the news of violence and vandalism coming from the Nuh-Mewat region.
The authorities must act swiftly to restore peace and prevent any further escalation of violence in the region. As the state grapples with this disturbing episode, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize harmony and unity in order to move forward and ensure the safety of all citizens.
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