Communal clashes broke out in four states – Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal – during processions yesterday to mark Ram Navami – the festival celebrating the birth of Hindu God Ram.
According to a top official, parts of Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone have been placed under curfew following rioting and arson during a Ram Navami procession.
Stones were allegedly hurled at a march that started from Talab Chowk area following an incident over loudspeaker music, according to Additional Collector SS Mujalde. Mr Mujalde stated, “Police had to fire teargas shells to quell the situation.” A large number of police officers have been dispatched to prevent a flare-up.
Communal skirmishes were reported in Gujarat’s Anand district’s Khambhat and Sabarkantha district’s Himmatnagar, according to news agency PTI. Officials added that stone pelting and arson were recorded in both locations, and that police had to use teargas shells to keep the situation under control.
“The body of an unnamed man, who seems to be around 65 years old, was retrieved from the area where the two groups clashed during a Ram Navami parade,” Police Superintendent Ajeet Rajyan said in Khambhat.
According to reports, police officers have been stationed in significant numbers in Bengal’s Howrah following allegations of skirmishes during a Ram Navami procession in the Shibpur district. Police have stated that they are taking precautions to keep the peace.
Stone-pelting and arson attacks on Ram Navami processions have also been reported in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga. Several people were hurt, three of them were critically injured, according to reports. To protect the peace, a large police force has been deployed on the ground.
