by Ajay Kumar
Lucknow: Once again, Muslim extremists in Uttar Pradesh have attempted to disrupt the peace in various districts due to their jihadist mindset, tarnishing not only the state’s atmosphere but also the teachings of Islam.
Those who shout slogans about sacrificing their lives for their faith seem to be the same individuals inciting violence against followers of other religions. This raises the question of whether there is a flaw in Islamic teachings or if the violence perpetrated by jihadists is a premeditated scheme.
During the last days of Navratri, on October 12-13, miscreants in several districts attempted to create disturbances. There were incidents of stone-pelting and gunfire during Durga idol immersion processions, resulting in the death of a devotee. However, the police responded quickly to restore order.
In the Balipur Nara village of the Manjhanpur police station area in Kaushambi district, Muslims reportedly attacked with stones during the immersion of the Durga idol, leading to a dispute between both communities. Allegations were made about attacks involving swords and sticks. Police officials managed to calm the situation and conducted the immersion peacefully after counseling the involved parties. To ensure security, police forces have been deployed in the village. More than half a dozen individuals from the procession were reported injured and have been admitted to the district hospital. SP Brajesh Kumar Srivastava mentioned that the incident began when some colored powder accidentally fell at Imam Chowk, prompting objections from the other community, leading to a verbal dispute and subsequent fighting. An FIR has been filed, and action will be taken against those found guilty.
In Gonda district, during the immersion procession, there was stone-pelting by Muslim youths near the Nuramal temple in the Badgaon area. This led to a scuffle between the two communities, and rioters overturned vegetable stalls along the roadside. City magistrate Manoj Pathak, along with the city CO and city magistrate, arrived at the scene. Upon receiving information, SP Vineet Jaiswal also reached with police forces to pacify the angry crowd. The immersion of the idols was then carried out under police protection. SP Jaiswal reported that stones were allegedly thrown from homes, and some individuals have been detained for questioning. To maintain peace, police forces have been deployed in the area.
Similarly, in Varanasi, PM Modi’s parliamentary constituency, stone-pelting broke out late on the night of October 12 in the Devanathpura area, causing chaos and resulting in injuries to several people. Police detained 12 individuals from both sides, including five minors. Reports indicate that a group of Muslim youths gathered about a hundred meters before the idol site, shouting slogans while throwing stones, which led to panic.
In Ballia district, police had to resort to baton charges before the burning of the effigy of Ravana. On October 12, during the Ravana effigy burning event in Kharouni village, a dispute arose over the playing of a DJ, leading to violent clashes between two groups. Dozens were injured in the fracas that continued late into the night. Police controlled the situation with a baton charge and collaborated with villagers to burn the effigy early Sunday morning. Seventeen individuals were arrested from the scene.
Overall, it can be stated that every religion has its own beliefs, but when the beliefs of one group unnecessarily hurt those of another, it becomes apparent that faith is being used to color the country in communal tones or to promote jihad under the guise of religion.
