Curfew Imposed in Jodhpur Following Communal Clashes
Jodhpur, Rajasthan – The city of Jodhpur witnessed severe communal clashes on Friday night, leading to a curfew being imposed in five police station jurisdictions. The incidents included stone-pelting and arson, escalating tensions in the Soorsagar area. On Saturday, local authorities confirmed that efforts were underway to control the situation and restore peace.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Nishant Bhardwaj, a violent dispute erupted between two communities on June 21. "Stone pelting occurred, not only between the communities but also targeting police personnel. Utilizing all our forces, the situation was brought under control. As of now, the area is stable, and multiple individuals have been detained for their roles in the violence," Bhardwaj reported to ANI.
Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel has called for calm amongst all communities, emphasizing the region’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony. "Our tradition has been to live in harmony," Patel stated. "If an anti-social element exploits the Soorsagar incident to disrupt peace, it will not be tolerated. I urge everyone to maintain love and harmony. The police have taken action against those guilty, and further steps will be taken if necessary. Currently, the area is peaceful."
The unrest seemed to stem from a dispute over the opening of gates, escalating into more serious confrontations, including stone-pelting by a mob. As a result, Section 144 has been enforced in the areas under the jurisdiction of Pratap Nagar, Pratap Nagar Sadar, Devnagar, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, and Soorsagar police stations. This legal provision prohibits the assembly of four or more people in the concerned areas to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
The imposition of Section 144 and subsequent curfew is a traditional administrative response in India to curb communal violence, a practice rooted in the British colonial era but still prevalent in modern Indian governance. In recent history, such measures have often been used to prevent violence from spiraling out of control in similar situations across various states.
Minister Patel reiterated the government’s commitment to communal harmony, warning of strict action if anyone attempted to inflame communal tensions further. "Officials and police forces are taking all necessary steps to control the situation," Patel said. "We will not permit any escalation of tensions. Discussions will be held to resolve the issue amicably."
In conclusion, while the immediate situation in Jodhpur appears to be under control, authorities remain vigilant. The community is urged to stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure a peaceful resolution to the current unrest.
Source: NDTV
