New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry was closely watching the situation in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur where communal violence broke out before Eid, sources told news agency ANI.
Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot reiterated Wednesday that action would be taken if violence resurfaced. “People involved in riots, irrespective of religion, caste, or political party, would be treated the same. No one has the right to take law into their hands,” he said.
Gehlot also accused the BJP at the Centre of trying to “defame the state government and create instability”. “They bulldoze the poor’s houses,” Gehlot said, alluding to several instances of homes being mowed down, of those who allegedly stirred up trouble.
A three-day Parshuram Jayanti festival coincided with Eid on 3 May. Clashes took place Monday night when members of the minority community were installing Eid flags near the statue of freedom fighter Balmukund Bissa in Jalori Gate, Jodhpur.
During the fight, a crowd also uprooted loudspeakers installed in the area for the Eid prayers. Several policemen were injured while they tried to rein in the sparring groups.
Clashes broke out again Tuesday morning at Jalori Gate following Eid prayers.
The police have arrested 97 people involved in the clashes in Jodhpur, chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s constituency. Curfew was in force in 10 police station areas for the second day Wednesday. The Internet has also been switched off in these areas.
The police said no fresh violence was reported on Wednesday.
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