Hindu groups, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, organized demonstrations in various parts of the capital city, Delhi, on Wednesday, despite the police’s refusal to grant permission for such protests. The demonstrations were sparked by the recent communal violence in neighboring Haryana, which resulted in six fatalities, including a Bajrang Dal functionary who succumbed to his injuries in Nuh. The Delhi Police’s Special Commissioner, Dependra Pathak, emphasized that no authorization was given for the protests and urged the demonstrators not to disrupt public order or traffic.
In response to the gatherings, security in Delhi was heightened, with senior police officers closely monitoring the situation on the streets to maintain law and order. The Bajrang Dal members attempted to stage a demonstration near Delhi’s Nirman Vihar metro station, and VHP had planned protests and rallies at 21 locations across the capital. However, police thwarted their attempt to protest near Nangloi Chowk due to the lack of permission. At Ghonda Chowk in Shahdara, VHP and Bajrang Dal members gathered to express their grievances against the Nuh violence.
The violence initially erupted during a Shobha Yatra organized by Bajrang Dal and VHP in Nuh, where clashes occurred between Hindu and Muslim groups. This incident led to the loss of two home guards’ lives and left over 200 people injured. The trigger for the violence was believed to be videos suggesting the alleged involvement of a Bajrang Dal member and cow vigilante, Monu Manesar, in the killing of two Muslim cattle traders in February. Despite rumors that Monu Manesar would participate in an annual religious procession in Nuh, he did not appear.
As the unrest escalated, Gurugram was also affected by mob violence, resulting in the destruction and vandalism of numerous establishments. In Sector 57 of Gurugram, a mosque was attacked, leading to the tragic death of a cleric. In response to the deteriorating situation, mobile internet services were suspended in Nuh, Manesar, and Pataudi, while prohibitory orders were implemented in Faridabad, Palwal, and Gurugram districts to control the unrest.
Delhi Police’s Public Relations Officer, Suman Nalwa, assured that stringent security measures were in place in sensitive areas, and additional police forces were deployed when necessary to ensure the safety of citizens and preserve communal harmony. In conclusion, the unauthorized demonstrations held by Hindu groups in Delhi highlighted the deepening concerns over communal violence in neighboring Haryana. Despite the police’s efforts to contain the protesters and maintain public order, the situation remains tense, and authorities are closely monitoring developments to prevent any further disturbances.