New Delhi, July 31, 2023: A religious procession, known as the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra and organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Mewat, Haryana, turned violent on Sunday when it was met with stone-pelting by individuals from a minority community. The incident took place about 2 kilometers away from the Nalhad Mahadev Temple, where the Yatra commenced.
According to reports, the stone-pelting provoked a retaliatory response from VHP workers, who also threw stones in response. The clash has created a tense atmosphere in the region.
The VHP had issued an official statement earlier about the Yatra, which was organized under the auspices of the Yuva Shakti Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The Yatra was set to begin from the Nalhad Mahadev Temple and conclude at the Shringar Temple in Punhana.
As per the press release, the Yatra’s schedule included several programs. It commenced with workers and devotees from various districts of Haryana performing the Jalabhishek (ritual of pouring water) at the Nalhar Mahadev Temple. Dr. Surendra Jain, the National Joint General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, addressed the gathering at 11:00 am, followed by a community meal. He later inaugurated the Yatra at noon.
The procession also included visits to Mata Mansa Devi Temple in Noah and Jhirka Jhirka Temple in Ferozepur Jhirka, where devotees offered Jalabhishek to deities.
However, the peaceful nature of the procession was marred by the stone-pelting incident, which led to concerns about the prevailing situation in Mewat.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further escalation of tensions. Local police have been deployed to maintain law and order in the region. The incident is under investigation, and efforts are underway to restore calm and normalcy in the area. The families of the deceased and injured are being contacted, and the VHP has assured that an ex gratia amount will be provided to them.
