Violence During Haryana Religious Procession, 2,500 Stranded In Temple

New Delhi:

Around 2,500 men, women and children have taken shelter at a temple near Haryana’s Gurugram as massive violence is in progress outside. Stones are being thrown and cars have been set on fire. The police, who have already used teargas and fired shots in the air, have called in reinforcements. Shots were also fired. The police said around 20 people have been injured. One person has been shot and he is being evacuated.

Internet services have been suspended and prohibitory orders banning large gatherings have been issued.

The violence started during a religious procession in Nuh, adjoining Gurugram. The Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, being held by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was stopped by a group of young men on the Gurugram-Alwar National Highway and stones were thrown at the procession.

As the violence escalated, government and private vehicles were targeted by the mob.

Currently, the 2,500 people, who came to take part in the religious procession, have taken shelter in the Nulhar Mahadev temple. Their vehicles have been parked outside. The police have so far been unable to evacuate them.

Reports say the clash was triggered by an objectionable video posted on social media by a Bajrang Dal activist.

Sources said Monu Manesar and his associates – known criminals in the area — had circulated the video a few days ago and openly challenged that he would stay in Mewat during the yatra.

Many are claiming to have seen them during the yatra and the locals allegedly retaliated to it.