Haryana violence: Internet suspended, schools shut as 5 dead
What's the story
The death toll in the communal clashes in Haryana rose to five on Tuesday. The Haryana government said that prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) were imposed in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Palwal. Mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in Nuh and surrounding districts till Wednesday, and additional police forces have been deployed to maintain law and order.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal organized a religious procession in Nuh on Monday. However, a Muslim mob allegedly tried to stop the rally and pelted stones at it. As clashes erupted, three people, including two home guards, were killed and around 200 were injured. Violence spread as rioters torched vehicles and shops, following which security forces were deployed in the region.
Forces
20 companies of CAPF deployed
All educational institutions have been ordered to remain closed in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Palwal on Tuesday. The police said that paramilitary forces and the Haryana Special Task Force (STF) have been deployed in the area, apart from 20 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Peace
Government appeals to citizens to maintain peace
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday called for peace with the principle of "Haryana Ek Haryanvi Ek." He said the responsibility of every citizen toward society increases in such a situation. The Haryana government also reportedly held a peace committee meeting in Gurugram at the Sohna Tourist Complex on Tuesday in view of the clashes.
Cyber PS
Mob attacked Nuh's Cyber Police Station
In a new development, a mob reportedly looted a bus and drove it through the wall of Nuh's Cyber Police Station as the gate was locked. Cops said a mob of around 1,000 people ransacked the police station and torched three police vehicles, among others. They said it was a targeted attack in retaliation for the recent crackdown on cyber thugs, India Today reported.
Mosque
Gurugram mosque burned, imam killed
Meanwhile, a mob of around 70-80 people also set fire to the Anjuman Jama Masjid in Gurugram's Sector 57 on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. The mosque's imam was stabbed, and he succumbed in a hospital while another man was undergoing treatment. Cops said fire tenders doused the mosque, and the accused, who also reportedly opened fire, were identified and rounded up.
Deaths
2 home guards killed
Among the five killed in the violence were home guards Neeraj and Gursevak and another unidentified man. The deceased home guards were attached to the Kherki Daula Police Station in Gurugram. Hodal Deputy Superintendent of Police Sajjan Singh was shot in the head, and an inspector sustained a bullet injury to his stomach. Both of them are undergoing treatment.