Hindu groups insist on holding ‘shobha yatra’ today in Nuh despite Govt prohibition
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Nuh: Amid escalating tensions, Hindu groups have announced their determination to proceed with the controversial "shobha yatra" in Nuh, Haryana, today, despite authorities denying permission for any rally in the communally sensitive district.
The announcement comes in the wake of violent clashes that occurred on July 31, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. Among the casualties were two home guards and a cleric, sparking outrage and concern over the fragile communal atmosphere in the region.
The government's decision to deny permission for the yatra was influenced by the upcoming G20 Sherpa Group meeting scheduled to take place in Nuh from September 3 to 7.
The district administration has enacted a series of precautionary measures in anticipation of the planned procession. Prohibitory orders have been imposed, banning outsiders from entering the district. Furthermore, educational institutions and banks remain closed, while mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended. The authorities have also prohibited gatherings of four or more people, as part of efforts to prevent a recurrence of the communal violence witnessed in July.
At the Sohna toll in Gurugram, police personnel have set up rigorous vehicle checks. Every vehicle passing through the toll is subjected to a thorough search by the Haryana Police, underscoring the administration's commitment to security arrangements.
The "Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat," a Hindu assembly, has been vocal about their determination to proceed with the yatra. The assembly, which convened on August 13, advocates for the resumption of the procession following its disruption due to the July communal violence.
In contrast, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has appealed to the public to avoid participating in the unauthorized procession. Instead, he suggested that people visit nearby temples and offer prayers as an alternative to the yatra.
August 28 holds significance in the Hindu calendar as the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan. Traditionally, this day involves religious observances, and Chief Minister Khattar's proposal for "jalabhishek" (ritual pouring of water) at local temples seems to align with this sentiment.
The clashes in July erupted when a procession organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was heard raising communally pejorative slogans in Nuh, a Muslim-majority area, prompting members of the Muslim community to react to it.
A massive deployment of security personnel has been witnessed, with 1,900 Haryana Police personnel and 24 paramilitary companies stationed at inter-state and inter-district borders.