Heavy security arrangements have been put in place in Haryana's Nuh district as Hindu outfits plan to take out the 'shobha yatra' on Monday despite Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar denying permission. The development comes barely a month after six people were killed in communal clashes during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) procession in the Muslim-majority district.
The state administration denied permission for the yatra, organised by the 'Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat', citing the G20 sherpa group meeting in Nuh from September 3 to 7. However, the Hindu outfits plan to proceed with the yatra, stating that it will be “peacefully organised.”
Speaking to ANI, VHP leader Alok Kumar said: “We know that G20 is going to start, so we will shorten the yatra. But we will not leave it, we will complete it tomorrow.”
Khattar urged Hindus to not participate in a procession that was denied permission; instead they could offer prayers in temples, he said.
On high alert
As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services have been suspended in the communally sensitive district from August 26 to 28. Prohibitory orders have been clamped down in the district, and all educational institutions and banks will remain closed.
According to reports, 1,900 Haryana police personnel and 24 companies of paramilitary forces have also been deployed in the district.
All entry points are being monitored and police personnel are checking all vehicles crossing through Sohna toll in Gurugram. Shortly after clashes broke out in Nuh in July, the violence spilled over to Sohna also with miscreants vandalising shops and vehicles.
On Saturday, Nuh police officials held a meeting with counterparts from bordering states of Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Union Territory of Chandigarh to coordinate security efforts, Hindustan Times reported.
In his Saturday order suspending internet services, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) TVSN Prasad said there is a clear potential of disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in Nuh through spread of rumours and inflammatory content through the internet.
So far 61 FIRs have been registered and 286 accused have arrested in connection with the violence that killed six, including two home guards and a cleric.
