Jodhpur Communal Clashes: 97 Arrested by Rajasthan Police, Curfew Extended

Clashes had broken out in the city's Jalori Gate circle following Eid prayers in the locality.

Clashes had broken out in the city's Jalori gate circle on Tuesday following Eid prayers in the locality. 

(Photo: PTI)

The Rajasthan Police on Tuesday, 3 May, said that 97 people had been arrested so far in connection with the violence in Jodhpur amid Eid celebrations.

Clashes had broken out in the city's Jalori Gate circle, from where Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hails, following Eid prayers in the locality. The police had resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mob.

"Curfew is being strictly enforced in the district. Higher-level officers have been deployed here. Every small incident occurring in the district is being monitored. A total of 97 people have been arrested in connection with incidents that have occurred in Jodhpur," said Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Hawa Singh Ghumaria, as per ANI.

There was also heavy police presence in all districts of the state following the violence.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the curfew imposed in Jodhpur was extended till midnight on 6 May.

The Police Commissionerate later amended the order allowing students appearing for examinations along with teachers and staff engaged in examination work to go to school during the curfew.

Medical services personnel, bank employees, officials related to judicial services and journalists are required to show identity cards or documents to travel during the curfew, as per IANS.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said that rioters will not be spared.

"To ensure no violence takes place in the state, action will be taken against the culprit. No one has the right to take law and order in their hands," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. He also alleged that the BJP was trying to "defame" the Congress-led state government.

Internet Suspended Till Further Orders

Internet services have been suspended in Jodhpur to curb the spread of fake news and maintain communal harmony.

Divisional Commissioner Himanshu Gupta said that restriction will continue "till further orders."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot held a high-level meeting on Tuesday, instructing the police and the administration not to spare anyone involved in social disharmony, irrespective of religion, caste or class and appealed to the general public to maintain peace.

Calling the Jodhpur violence 'unfortunate', Gehlot said, "People of all societies and religions in Rajasthan have been celebrating all festivals with love and brotherhood and Jodhpur is especially known for its inclusiveness. This tradition should continue. I appeal to the general public to maintain peace."

He also ordered the Minister of State for Home Rajendra Singh Yadav, Minister in-charge of Jodhpur Subhash Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Home Abhay Kumar and Additional DGP (Law and Order) Hawasingh Ghumaria to immediately travel to Jodhpur.

Rajasthan BJP Chief Urges Governor to Launch Probe

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Rajasthan chief Satish Poonia requested Governor Kalraj Mishra to initiate a probe into the clashes in the city. He also urged Mishra to issue necessary instructions to the government for the maintenance of law and order, adding that strict action should be taken against the accused persons.

"I humbly request you that a fair investigation should be conducted into the incidents and taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, please pass on the necessary instruction to the state government so that peace can be established in the state and the communal incident doesn't get repeated," Poonia requested Governor Mishra in a letter in Hindi, according to ANI.

The clashes had broken out between two communities earlier on Monday allegedly after a dispute over religious flags, and continued on Tuesday even as the police tried to bring the situation under control.

United Nations Responds to Jodhpur Violence

A spokesperson for UN's Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commented on the Jodhpur violence ahead of Eid and said that he hoped the Indian government and security forces will ensure that everyone people from different communities can celebrate festivals peacefully.

Farhan Haq, the secretary-general's deputy spokesperson, said, "I think the basic point is our hope that the various communities will work together and that the government and the security forces will ensure that everyone can go about their activities, including celebratory activities, peacefully."

(With inputs from ANI, IANS.)