Communal tensions erupted in Jodhpur just hours before Eid, resulting in stone-pelting. The event, which occurred after midnight, resulted in the injuries of five police officers. With the help of a large number of police officers, the situation was brought under control. After the Eid Namaz on Tuesday morning, however, tensions in the city resurfaced as some residents launched stones near the Jalori Gate. A couple of police and private vehicles were also damaged. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who hails from Jodhpur, has appealed to the people to maintain peace and unity.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, a member of the Lok Sabha from Jodhpur, paid a visit to Jalori Gate, where communal violence erupted on Eid. He spoke with locals and addressed their problems. Arjun Ram Meghwal, a BJP MP from Bikaner in Rajasthan, blamed the state’s violent conflicts on the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government. “The Chief Minister should accept responsibility for the violent incident and quit immediately,” Meghwal said, noting that he also handles the state’s home ministry position. “The BJP will soon begin agitation,” the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament added.
How did it all begin?
According to the local police Muslim community members were putting up Eid flags, including one on a roundabout next to the statue of independence warrior Balmukund Bissa, while violently replacing the saffron flag placed there ahead of Parshuram Jayanti this resulted in a clash. Stone pelting and confrontations escalated the situation. Police raced to the scene to quell the situation, which resulted in the injuries of five officers. To disperse the mob, authorities had to use tear gas rounds. In the meantime, mobile internet services have been suspended to prevent rumours from spreading.
