Archbishop of Nagpur appeal for peace after violence breaks out between Muslims and Hindus
More than 50 people have been arrested in the wake of communal violence that included several vehicles and houses vandalised. The authorities imposed a curfew imposed in some areas of the city in Maharashtra. Hindu nationalists want to remove the tomb of a Mughal ruler. Rumours that a copy of the Qur'an was burnt sparked a violent a reaction by Muslims. Archbishop Gonsalves urges respect for everyone, and warns against spreading “rumours and false news.”
Delhi (AsiaNews) – Riots broke out last night in Nagpur (Maharashtra), western India, prompting local authorities to impose an indefinite curfew in some areas of the city.
“I am very sad and feel very, very much affected by the disruptions in the city,” said Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur, expressing his concerns over the violence. “Regrettably, this has happened before.”
So far several houses, vehicles and a clinic were reportedly vandalised, but police moved in and averted further material damage or deaths in the population. Some police officers suffered injuries.
Clashes were triggered when rumours spread that the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) wanted to remove the tomb of a 17th century Mughal ruler. The Mughal Empire was the most important Islamic state to rule in India.
Members of the radical group allegedly burnt an effigy of Emperor Aurangzeb and his tomb. In addition, a copy of the Qur'an was also allegedly set fire to during the protest; this unleashed the anger and indignation of Muslims fuelled by videos reposted online.
The situation precipitated when Muslims marched near a police station in an attempt to obtain justice, throwing stones and clashing with agents.
The campaign for the demolition of the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Khuldabad, a subdivision of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, was launched yesterday, the anniversary of the birth of the legendary Maratha warrior King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
After a few tense hours, calm was restored and the situation is now under control.
According to police, the riots began in the centre of Nagpur around 7:30 pm when a mob began throwing stones at the police following rumours about the alleged burning of the holy book. Six people, including three policemen, were injured.
A second clash broke out a few hours later, between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm, in the Hansapuri area, near Old Bhandara Road, when a mob torched vehicles and vandalised houses and a clinic.
Police announced today the arrest of more than 50 people involved in various capacities in yesterday's violence.
The authorities are also examining CCTV footage and social media posts to identify any additional suspects in the violence, sparked by false rumours of a Qur'an burning during a protest by a right-wing group over the removal of Aurangzeb's grave.
Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that the situation was back to normal and that everything was “under control”.
"After a long time, incidents of this type have occurred again,” lamented Archbishop Gonsalves. “I appeal to both sections of the people to keep decorum, restrictions and possible limitations,” he added.
The prelate went on to urge people to “follow and abide by the law”, which is the only way “to bring peace, because if there is no peace there can be no development” in Nagpur.
Lastly, the archbishop made “a humble appeal to all our people: do not spread rumours and false news, neither through social media nor other means of communication.”
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