The violence, which often involves clashes between different religious groups, has sullied the spirit of Ram Navami festival, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Rather than being a time for peaceful worship and reflection, Ram Navami has become all too often a time of fear, violence and hatred. The use of swords and other weapons during processions, coupled with the chanting of divisive slogans, has only served to deepen the fault lines that divide communities in India.
The recent spate of riots and clashes across the country, including in Bihar Sharif, Sasaram, Nalanda, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and other regions, is a testament to how communal violence has polluted the spirit of Ram Navami.
Tensions remain high in Bihar following incidents of communal violence, particularly in Bihar sharif, Sasaram, and Nalanda. The police have detained over 125 people in connection with the violence, including 32 from Sasaram and 77 from Bihar sharif. Section 144 is in effect in Bihar sharif and Nalanda after further confrontations on Saturday night.
The violence occurred during the procession of Ram Navami, resulting in firing and bombing in Bihar Sharif and Sasaram, with one fatality and numerous injuries. Schools and colleges in Sasaram are closed until April 4, and internet services are also shut down. Amit Shah's planned visit to Sashastra Seema Bal's Patna border has been postponed due to rumors of Section 144 in the area, which sparked allegations of obstruction from the BJP.
The Union Home Ministry has decided to send more paramilitary forces to Bihar to help the state government deal with the aftermath of the violence, while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has implied criticism of the BJP and called for a full investigation of the incidents. Overall, the situation in Bihar remains tense, with the government taking measures to maintain law and order.
On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Bihar's governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, about incidents of communal violence in the state. Later in the day, at a rally in Bihar's Nawada, Shah targeted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the unrest in Sasaram and Bihar Sharif. He promised that if the BJP won the next state election with a landslip victory, they would "hang the rioters upside down," adding that such violence does not happen under their administration. Shah made the comments as part of the BJP's campaign in all Lok Sabha seats in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.
A right-wing organization, Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Yuva Morcha (ABHYM), was denied permission to hold a Ram Navami event in a park in Jahangirpuri, Delhi. Despite the ban, men in saffron and yellow staged a parade from the park, where they set up a stage, installed idols, and performed puja. They also held a rally during which participants shouted slogans. The police allowed a 100-meter stretch for the parade but did not make any arrests or file any complaints.
In Gurgaon, a "Bhavya Bhagwa Yatra" organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) took place on Sunday. Hundreds of men, allegedly waving weapons and shouting anti-muslim slogans, participated in the rally's 3-kilometer route from Sector 5 to Atul Kataria Chowk. The VHP did not have the necessary permission to hold the rally, according to Gurgaon Police. Authorities filed a case against unidentified individuals for disturbing the peace, brandishing firearms, and causing disturbances. No arrests have been made so far. Police sources stated that men marched for an hour and shouted "Jai Shri Ram" while riding on bulldozers, trucks, and other vehicles. Videos and images of the rally show men in white and saffron clothing waving swords and performing stunts on bikes. VHP posters were also seen in the region.
The Gujarati city of Vadodara also experienced stone pelting during the Ram Navami celebrations, according to reports. According to deputy commissioner of police Yashpal Jaganiya, "while few vehicles got damaged, no one was harmed in the event, and the procession went along its planned route under police protection."
Aurangabad witnessed violent incidents related to Ram Navami celebrations. In Sambhajinagar city (previously Aurangabad), a riot-like situation occurred on March 30 due to conflicts between two factions. Many police vehicles were set ablaze. On April 2, clashes broke out in the Kiradpura neighborhood during celebrations and Maha Vikas Agadhi's rally. The violence escalated from heated exchanges to stone-throwing and destruction after a group of motorcycles yelled insults that incited an opposing group.
Before Ram Navami celebrations, incidents of violence were reported from Jalgaon and other areas of Maharashtra. In Jalgaon, two groups got into a fight when a religious procession passed by a mosque in the Paldhi neighborhood on March 28. As a result, four people were injured, and the police have arrested 45 persons in connection with the incident. According to Jalgaon Superintendent of Police M. Rajkumar, the current situation is calm and under control.
Mathura witnessed racial tension on Thursday, due to a viral video showing men waving saffron flags from rooftops close to the Jama Masjid during a Ram Navami procession. The march was briefly halted for thirty minutes and resumed in the presence of police. Mathura SSP Shailesh Pandey stated that the situation is currently peaceful and that the police are verifying the details.
On Sunday night, a clash broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, injuring a BJP MLA and several police officers. Stones were allegedly thrown at the procession near the Wellington Jute Mill More on GT Road while making its way to the Jagannath temple in Mahesh. No one has been arrested so far. Precautionary measures, including internet suspension and security up-gradation, have been taken to prevent further flare-ups. Reports of Ram Navami-related violence were also received from Howrah, where two groups clashed and vehicles were set ablaze.
The state chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, accused the organizers of employing goons from outside the state to instigate communal disturbances and stated that those involved in the violence will face harsh action. During Ram Navami, nearly 1,000 demonstrations were held across the state, including large cutouts of Lord Ram and saffron banners. Some participants were allegedly seen carrying swords and trishuls.
This year’s incidents of communal violence are strangely reminiscent of last year's events. Communal violence was recorded in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal on April 10, 2022.
More incidents of violence were reported in Delhi, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh on April 16. On April 17, there was violence in Maharashtra.
The event was the same.Hanuman Jayanti came after Ram Navami. The processions resembled one another in terms of attire, attitude, and possibly even intent. Similar outcomes were observed, animosity overflowed into violent conflicts.
Some BJP politicians and affiliated groups are demanding the freedom to conduct Hindu processions along any path they choose, arguing that it is their right as citizens of a free country. However, their position is a challenge to the Constitution and the rule of law, which guarantee the right to practice any religion without hindrance, but subject to limitations. For example, one cannot willfully offend or violate the religious sentiments of others to practice one's faith. The Supreme Court has recently criticized the government for not doing enough to stop hate speech.
You can also join our WhatsApp group to get premium and selected news of The Mooknayak on WhatsApp. Click here to join the WhatsApp group.
