Communal Clashes in Haryana’s Nuh: Police Chief Transferred Amid Ongoing Unrest

New Delhi, August 4, 2023: The police chief of Haryana’s Nuh district has been transferred to Bhiwani, around 160 km away, in the wake of communal clashes that erupted during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad rally on Monday. IPS officer Narendra Bijarniya, who was acting Superintendent of Police since the violence began, has now been permanently appointed as SP amid the “intense communal tension” in the area.

The clashes in Nuh, which resulted in the deaths of six people, including two home guards and a cleric, have escalated and spread to Gurugram over the past few days. Unruly mobs have set several vehicles, food joints, and shops on fire, causing widespread destruction.

Narendra Bijarniya attributed the violence to the spread of rumors by trouble-makers through social media. “Mewat is known for its composite culture and brotherhood. This violence has been instigated by some people through social media. Some troublemakers caused it through social media posts,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the police being caught off-guard, Bijarniya mentioned that they had been monitoring social media and made arrangements accordingly. However, they never imagined such large-scale violence could occur. He assured that top officials are investigating the situation to prevent such incidents in the future.

The clashes erupted during the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Haryana’s Muslim-dominated Nuh district.

Amid continued arson and vandalism in Gurugram, the Haryana government has sought four more companies of central forces. Despite arrests and detentions, the situation remains tense, and prohibitory orders are in force in Nuh, Gurugram, and other affected districts.

In response to the violence, the government had suspended mobile internet and SMS services in Nuh district and later extended the restrictions in some other parts until August 5. The internet was restored for essential services from 12 pm to 3 pm today.

As the situation remains volatile, authorities are working to restore peace and maintain law and order in the region. The tragic incidents have raised concerns about communal harmony and the need for stricter measures to prevent the spread of misinformation and violence through social media channels.