New Delhi: After communal unrest that began on Friday night in the Soorsagar area of Jodhpur city in Rajasthan, tensions persisted on Sunday. What began as a simmering dispute over the construction of a gate near a revered Hanuman Mandir quickly escalated into a full-blown confrontation, leaving behind a trail of chaos, injuries, and communal tension. Tensions flared in Jodhpurs Sursagar police station area as Hindus protested against the construction of a gate at an Eidgah. The dispute, stemming from an earlier agreement to halt construction, reignited when radicals within the Muslim community insisted on proceeding.What triggered the violenceThe disagreement quickly escalated into violence, resulting in arson, stone-pelting, injuries, and property damage. Police resorted to lathi-charges to restore order as clashes intensified. Amidst the chaos, a tragic incident left a Hindu woman, Lajwanti Gehlot, severely injured, causing permanent vision loss in one eye.Following the violence, Lajwanti Gehlot received medical attention after being struck by a stone while attempting to retrieve her grandson. Meanwhile, a police officer underwent surgery for serious injuries sustained during the unrest and is now recovering.Watch the video here (viewers discretion advised):Sursagar area of Jodhpur Rajaram square.Muslims in Indian had enough of Hindutava atrocities. A war broke out between Muslims and Hindus when Muslims were repairing gate of a mosque and Hindu mob tried to stop them from doing so.Violent visuals in the video of clashes. pic.twitter.com/KIAa0jdtdU— Pakistan First (@Pak1stTeam) June 22, 2024Community distressOn June 22nd, allegations surfaced that intruders entered homes, assaulted residents, and harassed women in the aftermath of the clashes. Families reported being targeted despite their non-involvement in the initial conflict, adding to the communitys distress.51 arrested, Section 144 imposedIn response to the escalating situation, heavy police presence was deployed, and surveillance drones were employed to identify culprits and monitor rooftops where stones were reportedly placed. Several CCTV cameras in the area were found damaged, hindering investigation efforts.Authorities took decisive measures, arresting 51 individuals linked to the violence. Additionally, they enforced Section 144 of the CrPC across regions under the jurisdiction of six police stations to maintain law and order, as confirmed by a police spokesperson.Whats the rootcause of conflictThe root of the conflict lies in a longstanding dispute over the construction of a gate near Rajaram Circle in Sursagar. This recent flare-up mirrors a similar controversy from 15 years ago, which was quelled with an agreement to cease construction. However, tensions reignited when efforts to resume construction were met with strong opposition.
