Tension over Muslims opposing immersion of idols of Goddess Durga at 2 places in Garhwa (Jharkhand)

Hindus accuse police of siding with Muslims

Garhwa (Jharkhand) – Tension prevailed here after fanatic Muslims stopped the immersion procession of the Idol of Shri Durgadevi in two separate incidents. Muslims objected to the route on which Hindus wanted to take out the procession. Angry Hindus agitated against the administration.

1. The first incident is from Matgarhi in Garhwa. On October 13, when Hindus took out a procession, Muslims stopped them saying that ‘this is a restricted route’. Tension prevailed after this. After an altercation, Muslims started pelting stones. This time the police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas. Then the police opened fire. One person was injured in that fire. The video of the incident has been circulated on social media. Hindus accused police of siding with Muslims. This led to a dispute between the police and Hindu organisations. According to the police, there has been a dispute in the past also over the route through which the immersion procession was taken out. Some policemen were also injured in the violence. The police detained only a few Hindus instead of Muslims. Curfew has been imposed here.

2. The second case is from Lakhna village in Garhwa district, where also Muslims stopped the procession protesting against it. “You can’t take out the immersion procession this way,” they said. Tension simmered in the air. Police and civil servants held talks with the people on both sides; however, no solution was found. Hence, the devotees got angry and started raising slogans accusing the negligence of administration.

Former BJP MLA Satyendra Nath Tiwari, who reached the spot, alleged that “Muslims used intimidation”. He said that the road on which the procession has been stopped has been made with the money of the government. Every year the procession of the Idol of the goddess passes through this route. When Muslim’s Moharram procession is taken out in this street, Hindus distribute Sorbet to Muslims. (Hindus should think about whether they should continue doing the same ! – Editor)

Police said the matter was resolved after talks between the two parties. Police also said that action would be taken against some outsiders who had created a ruckus.

Editorial Perspective

Since the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is in power in Jharkhand, they will only stand for Muslims, not Hindus ! Political parties like Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress etc. will keep mum !