RECENT FLAREUPS INVOLVING DIFFERENT RELIGIONS
rounds of gunshots were fired as the violence engulfed several neighbourhoods in the town.
Stones were thrown at policemen deployed to control the flare-up as well as ensure peaceful immersion of the goddess’s idols, forcing the authorities to order baton-charges and fire warning shots to disperse the mobs. Security forces are carrying out flag marches in sensitive areas.
“I am at one of the troubled spots. It’s calm now,” said Vikas Vaibhav, the Munger range deputy inspector general of police.
In adjoining Jamui district, people at an idol immersion procession clashed with policemen. Several people, including six policemen, were wounded. “Two policemen were critically wounded,” Jamui superintendent of police Jagannath Reddy said.
According to eyewitnesses, who refused to be named, the violence began over the police’s refusal to allow a procession from entering an unauthorised route.
The Ram Navami festival MARCH 17, BHAGALPUR: Tension broke out in Bhagalpur’s Nathnagar locality after people of two communities clashed over an unauthorised religious procession taken out by saffron outfits and led by Arijit Shashwat, son of Union minister of state for health and family welfare, Ashwani Choubey. More than 35 people were injured. Internet services were suspended for two days. MARCH 24, SIWAN: A minor clash took place between Hindus and Muslims after a group of people stopped a Rama Navami procession at Hassanpura. MARCH 25, AURANGABAD, KAIMUR AND GAYA: Communal clashes broke out in the three districts. Aurangabd was the worst affected. More than 25 people were injured.
MARCH 27, SAMASTIPUR: Clashes broke out between two groups over a Rama Navami procession. Around 10 people, including a probationary Indian Police Service officer, were hurt. Three vehicles were set on fire. keeps police on the edge almost every year in Bihar as the processions are taken out for several days and trouble-makers try to foment communal trouble. This year, police said, the government has permitted 1,590 Ram Navami committees across the state to hold processions but several unauthorised rallies were taken out too.