New Delhi: The Haryana state administration shut down internet in Nuh district as the Braj Mandal Yatra organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is going to take stage from between 6 pm to 6 pm on July 21 to 22. The move is said to be a precaution after the same event last year triggered communal riots.
The district administration there said that bulk messaging is also restricted. The order by the state chief secretary stated that the internet was cut off to prevent the spread of false information and rumours through social media ahead of the Yatra.
Nuh Police have made heavy security arrangements to ensure the smooth passage of the procession. This includes CCTV cameras along roads through which the Yatra passes. The authorities have advised shopkeepers selling meat and eggs in these areas to temporarily close or temporarily shift their shops.
The Braj Mandal Jalabhishek procession on July 31, 2023, had turned into a communal riot. The riots were triggered by a rumour that Cow vigilante leader and Bajrang Dal activist Monu Manesar was participating in the Yatra. The rumour had spread through social media. Monu was accused of the murder of two Muslim youths.
Two groups resorted to violence, pelting stones and setting fire to vehicles, killing two home guards then. In the untoward incidents, many were injured, including policemen and an Imam of a Masjid was murdered in Gurugram after a mob attacked the place of worship. The riots spilt into more districts before it was brought under control with great effort, and five people were reportedly killed in violent incidents.