Lucknow: On 14th September, stones were thrown at a Ganesh Visarjan procession in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, leading to violent communal clashes between two groups and creating a significant law and order issue. This latest incident raises crucial questions about the recurring pattern of violence against Hindu processions in Muslim-majority areas. Why are Hindu celebrations so often targeted with hostility in such regions?
The trouble began when two Ganesh idols were taken out for the Visarjan procession in Mahoba. As the procession reached the Kasauratori area of Kotwali police station, a firecracker from the event reportedly fell onto a kutcha house covered with polythene. The fire from the cracker was quickly extinguished by the house's owner, Akila, who then threw water onto the Hindu participants. This act of throwing water escalated tensions and led to a violent clash between the two groups.
During the ensuing altercation, the Hindu procession was attacked with buckets and stones. The police arrived promptly to manage the situation, and additional personnel were deployed to maintain order. Despite their efforts, the clash left many participants shaken and led to protests outside the police station by Hindu organizations demanding action against the attackers.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad District Head Manoj Shivhare expressed deep anger and frustration over the incident, calling for immediate and strict action against those responsible for attacking the Hindu devotees and pelting stones during the Ganesh Visarjan procession.
Members of the Muslim community claimed that the conflict was triggered by Hindus playing “objectionable” songs on a DJ during the procession, though details on which songs were deemed offensive remain unclear. Akila, the owner of the house affected by the firecracker, asserted that the confrontation began only after she threw water to put out the flames.
Superintendent of Police Pailash Bansal confirmed that the clash erupted after a firecracker fell on the Muslim-owned house. He assured that the situation was brought under control following police intervention, and the procession continued peacefully thereafter. Nonetheless, the incident highlights a troubling trend of Hindu processions facing aggression in Muslim-majority areas. What drives this persistent pattern of targeting Hindu celebrations, and why are such communal tensions allowed to escalate in India?
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