Bajrang Dal and VHP Protest Haryana Violence in Delhi, Police Beefs Up Security

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 2nd Aug. Protests were held in different parts of the national capital on Wednesday by members of the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in response to the violence in Haryana’s Nuh district. Protesters raised slogans in the streets near East Delhi’s Nirman Vihar Metro station and Ghonda Chowk.

As Delhi Police learned of the protests, they reacted quickly and deployed heavy security in the area. Apart from these two locations, protests were also staged near Subhash Nagar Chowk.

Tension gripped Haryana’s Nuh district on July 31 after two groups clashed during a procession. Following the clashes, security was tightened in the adjoining districts of Faridabad, Palwal, and Gurugram. Earlier, on Wednesday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar informed reporters that a total of 116 people have been arrested in connection with the violence in Nuh, which has, so far, claimed 6 lives — 2 police homeguards and 4 civilians.

“Six people — 2 homeguards and 4 civilians — have died in the vioilence so far. A total of 116 people have been arrested in connection with the violence. They have been taken on remand. Those found guilty will not be spared. We are committed to ensuring order and public safety,” Khattar said. “The overall situation in the state is normal. I appeal to the public to maintain peace and brotherhood,” the Haryana chief minister said.

A total of 20 paramilitary force companies and 30 Haryana Police units have been deployed in the state to restore peace and order, he said. “14 units (of police and para forces) were sent to Nuh, while 3, 2 and 1 units were posted in Palwal, Faridabad and Gurugram respectively. At present, the situation is normal in Nuh and surrounding areas but security agencies are on alert,” the CM said.

On Tuesday, fresh violence was reported from several districts of Haryana. Further, according to officials, there was violence in Gurugram’s Badshahpur and Sohna Road overnight on Tuesday. Section 144 was imposed for 48 hours from Monday midnight in Nuh and mobile internet services were temporarily suspended in the district in light of clashes.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Varun Dahiya (Crime), Gurugram, said, “All schools, colleges and workplaces are functioning normally. There are no restrictions on the movement of traffic. The suspension of mobile internet has also been lifted. I appeal to all not to pay heed to rumours on social media. If anyone wants to report any information, they can reach helpline number ‘112’.” Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, however, said the violence in Nuh could have been avoided if organisers of the yatra had given complete information about the procession to the district administration.

“Strict action will be taken against those found responsible,” said Chautala, who also heads the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), which is part of the ruling coalition in the state. Earlier, on Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram, Nishant Yadav, said the situation was totally under control and markets were open.

“In Gurugram, the situation is totally under control. in Sohna, our focus area, a peace committee meeting was held. Normalcy has returned and markets are open. We have conducted a flag march as well,” Yadav said. (with agency inputs)