Locals flee houses as Ram Navami clashes spark concern of riots in Gujarat | Ground report

Several households are fleeing their houses in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district over fears of riots after two communities clashed on Ram Navami. Three districts within the state witnessed main clashes on Sunday with a number of policemen struggling accidents and automobiles being set afire throughout Ram Navami celebrations.

Riots had been reported from Himmatnagar within the Sabarkantha district, Khambat in Anand district and Devbhoomi Dwarka district. One particular person was additionally reportedly killed.

A excessive stage inquiry has been ordered by the ruling BJP in Gujarat, which is able to quickly start campaigning within the state for elections later this yr.

GROUND REPORT

Himatnagar is a city in Sabarkantha district. At Chhapriya street, two yatras had been organised to mark Ram Navami. The first one was scheduled for 1 pm and the second for 4 pm.

The first rally, organized domestically, has been occurring for the final 40 years in an space that’s communally delicate.

According to the locals, there have been no correct safety preparations for the primary procession. The police have, nonetheless, blamed the ‘out of control’ crowd for the clashes.

Also Read: | Communal clashes erupt throughout Ram Navami rallies in 4 states, 1 lifeless in Gujarat

There are two allegations: stone pelting on the procession and heated arguments over loudspeakers throughout namaaz.

The state of affairs turned violent as the 2 communities started preventing, hurling stones at each other. This quickly escalated to automobiles and outlets being set on fireplace.

For the second procession at 4 pm, extra folks gathered. As the group crossed a non secular place, the stone pelting allegedly resumed on the procession. Several automobiles and homes had been reportedly torched by miscreants. Over ten policemen had been injured.

After the incident, a number of households left their houses for safer locations. People concern that if riots get away once more, it is not going to be protected.

Rahulsinh Rajput, a neighborhood resident, stated, “The situation is extremely tense. We fear for our lives. We have small kids, senior citizens and women. Many families have left their homes. We, too, are going and won’t return till the situation is under control.”

“The situation is under control now. The culprits won’t be spared. A thorough investigation is going on in the matter. Several teams have been deployed,” senior police officer Abhay Chudasama informed India Today TV.

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