Nuh, Haryana: In the wake of the tragic anti-Hindu riots that erupted in Nuh, Haryana on July 31, leaving six dead, including two home guards and a cleric, authorities are intensifying their efforts to uncover the truth behind the violence.
The tranquility of Nuh, Haryana was shattered on the morning of July 31 as thousands of devotees and activists from Hindu organizations gathered for the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, a religious procession that aimed to celebrate and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
However, the peaceful atmosphere quickly turned volatile when the Yatra reached Khedla Mod, a location marked by a tragic outbreak of violence. A mob, reportedly composed of teenage Muslims, women, and children, initiated the chaos by pelting stones, at the devotees participating in the Vishva Hindu Parishad procession.
The clashes left six individuals dead, including two home guards and a cleric, while more than 15 others, including several policemen, sustained injuries. The situation escalated as hundreds of cars, bikes, buses, and shops were set ablaze, and the road was blocked for hours.
Amidst the turmoil, more than 2,500 individuals, including women and children, were evacuated by the police from the Shiva temple in Nuh, according to the local authority. The evacuees encompassed both devotees and those seeking shelter as clashes unfolded between the two groups.
Many insider reporting in the media come later about the horrific situations, claiming many rounds of gunfire, petrol bombs, murder, and rape attempts. Some claim about missing reports of many teenage girls, women, and children whose families still searching for him.
The violence erupted approximately 10 minutes after the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal procession began, triggering a series of unfortunate events. Around 2 pm, a group of more than 200 people assembled at Edward Chowk in Nuh town, with tensions escalating as stones were hurled at the procession. Initially, the Hindu participants dispersed in an attempt to avoid the conflict but later responded with retaliation.
Media reports have cited various triggers for the clash, with some reports pointing to an objectionable video posted on social media by a Bajrang Dal activist from Ballabhgarh. This video allegedly played a role in inflaming sentiments and contributing to the escalation of violence.
In the midst of the media frenzy surrounding the incident, attention turned to Monu Manesar, an animal rights activist and a cow savior having a history of cow vigilantism. Monu had previously been booked for the murder of two Muslim men, whose charred bodies were discovered in the Bhiwani district in February.
Although some reports indicated that Monu Manesar was expected to join the procession, he ultimately refrained from participating on the advice of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, which expressed concerns that his presence could further exacerbate tensions.
Addressing the accusations and speculations, Monu Manesar took to social media to assert his innocence and clarify his stance on the incident. In a video message, he distanced himself from the violence, reiterating his commitment to promoting harmony and understanding among different communities.
Monu Manesar in a video, shared approximately a week after the riots, Monu expressed his dismay at being blamed for the turmoil. He questioned the logic behind linking him to violence, particularly given his statements that promote religious harmony and respect for sacred symbols.
I am being accused of fomenting violence, but my message has always been about unity and coexistence,” Monu stated in the video. “I have consistently advocated for respect towards all faiths and beliefs. My recent statement about protecting our mother cow was purely an expression of reverence, not a call to arms.
— Monu Manesar
Monu’s video also addressed a controversial statement attributed to him regarding a response to those who criticize religious figures or texts.
Cutting the neck of a person who speaks about your prophet or book is valid, how am I guilty, if I save our mother cow with reverence?
— Monu Manesar
The Haryana government doing its best for this pre-planned riots by the Muslim community, which had their epicenter in Nuh, sent shockwaves through the country as clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities escalated.
As authorities delve deeper into the investigation, the events leading up to the Nuh communal clashes remain shrouded in complexity and controversy.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches closely, eager to uncover the truth and to ensure that communal harmony is restored in Nuh and beyond. The Nuh riots serve as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of social cohesion and the imperative need for responsible dialogue in a diverse society.
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