India: Three killed, over 20 injured in violence following religious procession in Haryana's Nuh

At least three people were killed and60others were injured, including at least 10 police officers, aftera clash that broke out between two groups following a religious procession in Nuh district of north Indian state of Haryana on Monday (July 31).

The violence broke out when one group reportedly tried to stop the procession.

Internet services have been suspended in Nuh till August 2 and orders banning large gatherings have been issued. A meeting was called between members of two communities to pacify the situation.

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Nuh District Deputy CommissionerPrashant Panwar told media that 16 FIRs were registered and efforts were on to identify the culprits.

According to media reports, police rescued more than 2,500 who had taken shelter inside the Nulhar Mahadev temple near Gurugram city on the outskirts of Indian capital New Delhi.

Stones were hurled and cars were burnt during clashes between the two groups. Police had to resort to baton charges, use of tear gas and firing of warning shots in the air.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar condemned the incident and assured to take strict action against the people responsible for the violence.

"Today's incident is unfortunate, I appeal to all the people to maintain peace in the state. The guilty will not be spared at any cost, strictest action will be taken against them," he posted on X, earlier known as Twitter.

The religious procession, Brij Mandaj Jalabhishek Yatra, was held by Vishwa Hindu Parishad—a right-wing organisation.

Media reports suggested that it was stopped by a group of young men on Gurugram-Alwar National Highway and stones were reportedly hurled at the procession. The Haryana government, in an official notification, has said that the order has been taken to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours through social media platforms.

“In order to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and SMS, for facilitation and mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities, Home Secretary, Haryana do order the suspension of the mobile internet services and all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except the voice calls in the territorial jurisdiction of district Nuh of Haryana State,” the order said.

It further said that all telecom service providers of Haryana are directed to ensure the compliance of this order.

Following the clash, Nuh Deputy Commissioner called a meeting of both parties on Tuesday (Aug 1) at 8:30 pm. The police force has been deployed in the area.

“Now, we are doing our duties. We are not in the situation of talking anything about the incident,” Singh told ANI.

All schools, colleges and coaching centres have been ordered to remain shut in the adjoining Gurugram district on August 3 in view of the clashes.

Also, the Haryana Board of School Education, Bhiwani, has cancelled the board exams for Classes 10 and 12 due on Tuesday and Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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