Communal tensions were observed in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh on Tuesday night during a religious procession was taken out as part of upcoming Ram Navami celebrations.
Police soon reached the spot where locals reported of stone pelting near the Jama Masjid Chowk around 11 pm yesterday when a Mangla procession was underway.
Hazaribag sub-divisional police officer Parameshwar Kamti told PTI that the police officers had to resort to firing in the air in order to bring the situation under control and the security has been beefed up from Wednesday in the concerned area.
What Happened?
The Mangala procession among Hindus is traditionally carried out every Tuesday in the weeks that fall between Holi and Ram Navami.
This year Ram Navami falls on April 6 and the procession during which communal clashes erupted in Hazaribagh was a similar one taken out by hundreds of Akhadas.
PTI report said that the locals revealed, a dispute arose between two groups over the playing of communal songs.
This eventually led to an escalation including stone-pelting, with stones being thrown from both sides.
Police resorted to firing in the air to bring the situation under control
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What Did Police Say?
Hazaribag sub-divisional police officer Parameshwar Kamti told PTI, "The exact reason for stone-throwing is yet to be ascertained. The people involved in the incident are being identified and they will be nabbed soon."
He claimed that the situation was under control and security deployment was ensured at the incident site.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Hazaribagh, Nancy Sahay, told Indian Express, “The dispute started due to a certain objectionable song played in the procession, following which it escalated into mild stone pelting from both factions. We have deputed the forces, and the situation is under our control.”
Adding onto that, Superintendent of Police of Hazaribagh, Arvind Singh, assured the media that the police will take action “even if the slightest nuisance activities are noticed during the festival”.
“With Ramzan onbgoing for Muslims, Ram Navami approaching for Hindus, and then the Sarhul festival is also on its way for the adivasis, we urge all the religious communities to maintain a peaceful environment with no tensions,” he reportedly said.
Singh also spoke about the security preparations ahead of Ram Navami celebrations in the city and informed that more security personnel have been deputed as compared to last year.
"To keep a close watch on the procession crowds, we are using 15 drone cameras. All devotees and residents of Hazaribagh should remain assured about security. Security arrangements are being made at every corner, and officials will be present in each akhada wearing white uniforms," Singh added.
