According to sources, people of one community started raising slogans after a flag was put up on the statue of freedom fighter Bal Mukund Bissa and a banner related to Eid was strung up on the circle at Jalori.
Jodhpur: Moments before Eid celebrations began, a clash broke out between the people of two communities over the alleged removal of flags in the Jalori Gate area.
According to sources, people of one community started raising slogans after a flag was put up on the statue of freedom fighter Bal Mukund Bissa and a banner related to Eid was strung up on the circle at Jalori.
A few protestors removed the flag and banner which caused an uproar. The members of the other community got angry and soon, clashes broke out between the two groups.
The police said stones were pelted from both sides and mild force had to be used to bring the situation under control. Sources said despite police action, the situation is still tense. Meanwhile, additional forces have been deployed to ensure no untoward situation arises.
A curfew has also been enforced till Wednesday midnight in some police station areas and internet services have been suspended in Jodhpur to stop rumour-mongers from spreading fake news about the clashes. On Tuesday, Eid was celebrated in the city but amid strict police vigil.
Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, “Minister of State for Home Shri Rajendra Singh Yadav, Minister in-charge of Jodhpur Shri Subhash Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Home Shri Abhay Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Shri Hawasingh Ghumaria have been instructed to immediately go to Jodhpur by helicopter.”
He added, “People of all societies and religions in Rajasthan have been celebrating all festivals with love and brotherhood and especially Jodhpur is known for its adoption. This tradition should continue. I appeal to the general public to maintain peace.”
In a separate tweet, Gehlot informed, “While doing a high-level review of the incident in Jodhpur at the Chief Minister’s Office, directed the police and administration to take necessary steps to maintain peace and order.”
He added, “Have directed to identify the anti-social elements responsible for the incidents causing damage to communal harmony and brotherhood and take strict action against them. The incident in Jodhpur is unfortunate, any incident affecting the communal harmony anywhere in the state damages the peace and law and order in the society. The offender, irrespective of religion, caste or class, should not be spared if he is found to be involved in a crime.”
