Curfew Imposed in Madhya Pradesh City After Communities Clash Over Lord Hanuman's Idol Installation

Last month, on the occasion of Ram Navami festival, clashes broke out between the Muslim and Hindu communities in Madhya Pradesh's city Khargone. It was alleged that some Muslims hurled stones and petrol bombs at a religious procession of Hindus.

A curfew has been imposed in Neemuch, a city in India's state of Madhya Pradesh, after clashes broke out late Monday night between two communities over the installation of an idol of Lord Hanuman in a Dargah (shrine or Sufi tomb).

Instances of stones being pelted and arson by an enraged mob, which resulted in the mosque allegedly being set ablaze, were reported from the city.

Mob sets a religious place on fire in the #Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh.
The enraged mob also pelted stones after installing a #hanumanstatue on the walls of a Dargah. @TheQuint @QuintHindi pic.twitter.com/eRU5EWJor2

— Vishnukant (@vishnukant_7) May 16, 2022

Addressing the media, Neemuch Superintendent of Police (SP) Suraj Kumar Verma confirmed the incident and said: “A total of four First Information Report police complaints (FIR) have been registered, one at the instigation of the Muslim community, two from the Hindu community and a suo motu FIR in the case.”

“We have rounded up nine people for inquiry so far. The investigation is underway and more might be taken into custody. Prima facie it looks like a pre-planned event because of the installation of the idol. However, it has yet to be ascertained whether it's a conspiracy or not," Verma added.

He further told the media that the situation had been brought under control.

SP Suraj Kumar Verma confirmed the incident and told media that tear gas was used to disperse the mob. The mob also pelted stones. Police forces posted in the area to prevent mishaps.

Tensions prevail in the area. @alishan_jafri @zoo_bear @vinodkapri @TribalArmy @Arjun_Mehar pic.twitter.com/cjdpPz4iXR

— Vishnukant (@vishnukant_7) May 16, 2022

According to media reports, one person sustained injuries and was admitted to the hospital.

#update #Neemuch
SP Neemuch, said 4 FIRs have been registered in the incident. One from Muslim community, 2 From Hindus and another suo moto by police.
9 people have been rounded up for inquiry.
Reports of one Younus injured in clashes also coming in. pic.twitter.com/MOYC6qbiI9

— Vishnukant (@vishnukant_7) May 17, 2022

Sharing the videos of the incident, former State Chief and Congress politician Digvijaya Singh of the Congress party made an appeal to members of both communities to maintain peace and harmony.

In a tweet in Hindi, he said: “I make a humble appeal to all sections of Neemuch for peace. Don’t forget that politicians fight while innocent people die.”

Former State Chief of Madhya Pradesh Digivijaya Singh Appealed People to Maintain Peace

© Photo : Twitter/@digvijaya_28

In a series of tweets in Hindi, he said that a few people shared the videos of the incident with him after which he called up the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Neemuch who assured him of taking action against the culprits.

मुझे नीमच के लोगों ने कल की घटना के कुछ विडियो भेजें हैं वो मैं शेयर कर रहा हूँ।
मैंने कल रात को ही कलेक्टर महोदय व एसपी महोदय नीमच से फ़ोन पर बात की।
उन्होंने मुझे दोषियों पर कार्रवाई करने का आश्वासन दिया।
प्रशासन से मेरे कुछ प्रश्न हैं।
1/n

⁦@CMMadhyaPradesh⁩ pic.twitter.com/E4o5WcsJG3

— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) May 17, 2022

This is the second incident of communities clashing in Madhya Pradesh in the same month. On 10 April, clashes broke out in Khargone city on the occasion of Ram Navami (Lord Rama's birthday) festival, leading to violence, with incidents of arson and stone-pelting.

More than 20 people were injured and one death was reported after a few days of violence. A total of 182 people have been arrested and 72 cases have been registered in connection to the violence in Khargone.