Haryana On Alert After Communal Clashes: Naib Imam Killed as mosque set on fire

• The Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), was stopped by a group of young men on the Gurugram-Alwar National Highway. 
• Four people, including two Home Guards, were killed, and at least 30 others were injured in clashes that broke out between two groups in Haryana. 
• About 2,500 people, who had come to Nuh to take part in the procession, were stranded in a temple due to the violence outside. They were rescued by police later in the evening. 
• Internet services have been suspended in Nuh till tomorrow to contain the “intense communal tension” and stop the spread of misinformation and rumours. 
• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and other leaders have appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony. 
• Amid tensions in Haryana, a mosque in Gurugram was set on fire and the naib imam was killed. 

Four people, including two Home Guards, were killed, and at least 30 others were injured in clashes that broke out between two groups in Haryana. The clash started during a religious procession in Haryana’s Nuh, adjoining Gurugram.

Police said the Home Guards were shot dead as a mob tried to stop the religious procession in Nuh’s Khedla Mod, throwing stones and setting cars on fire. A 26-year-old man was killed late last night after a mob attacked a mosque in Gurugram as the violence spread to the neighbouring district, while the identity of the fourth man who died in the violence is yet to be ascertained.

The Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), was stopped by a group of young men on the Gurugram-Alwar National Highway.

As the violence escalated, government and private vehicles were targeted by the mob. Towards evening, violence spread to the Gurugram-Sohna highway, where several cars were torched and stones were thrown at the police, sources said.

About 2,500 people, who had come to Nuh to take part in the procession, were stranded in a temple due to the violence outside. They were rescued by police later in the evening.

Incidents of stone-throwing and arson were reported from parts of Palwal and Gurugram as well. A curfew has been imposed in Nuh to prevent further escalation of violence in the district. Prohibitory orders banning large gatherings have been put in place in Gurugram, Palwal, and Faridabad as well.

Police have registered about 20 cases and detained several people in connection with the communal violence. They are scanning footage from the security cameras to identify the culprits.

Internet services have been suspended in Nuh till tomorrow to contain the “intense communal tension” and stop the spread of misinformation and rumours. Schools, colleges and educational institutions in Gurugram and Faridabad districts will remain closed today.

Reports say the clash was triggered by an objectionable video posted on social media by a Bajrang Dal activist. Police have stepped up security in the violence-hit districts and appealed to the leaders of the two communities to help restore peace in the region.

 Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and other leaders have appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony. The guilty will not be spared at any cost, and the strictest action will be taken against them, the chief minister said

Amid tensions in Haryana, a mosque in Gurugram was set on fire and the naib imam was killed in the early hours of Tuesday, police said. The mosque was set on fire allegedly by a mob of 70-80 people, police added. “We have identified some of the accused and action will be taken soon,” DCP (East) Nitish Aggarwal said.

(With inputs from agencies)