Islamic flag raised and violence instigated after Namaz [Rajasthan, India]

[Reported as seen]

The Muslim mob in Jodhpur vandalized vehicles parked in the market and residential areas. The police vehicles were also not spared. DGP ML Lathar said, “After Eid namaz’s offering, some youngsters attempted to disturb the peace again. We used mild force to disperse them.”

This violence came within 24 hours of an Islamic flag being hoisted on the statue of Freedom Fighter Balmukund Bissa at the Jalori Gate intersection. The Muslim mob also pasted tape on the face of the statue.

All of the other communities were requested to remove everything that would hurt the Muslim sentiment, which was carried out well. Reportedly, around, 1:30 PM, the members of the Muslim community were hoisting flags for Eid at the Jalori intersection.
Reportedly, Jodhpur West Mayor Vanita Seth said, “In the night, the members of the Muslim community pasted tape on the face of the statue. They tried to hoist an Islamic flag there. The members of the Hindu community objected and asked them not to do that. They started shouting slogans in favour of Pakistan and Allah Hu Akbar.”

When the members of the Hindu community requested them to be peaceful as it was in the best interest of everybody, the Muslims started pelting stones at them. At that time, there was 15 Muslims present.

Seth said that though the stone-pelting was started by the Muslims, Police blamed Hindus for the same. “The Police are blaming us for stone-pelting. They were the ones who started pelting stones. They forget that we are not here to get beaten up by them. A Bhajan Sandhya was happening nearby. Those who were attending the event rushed to the spot,” she added.

Seth added, “A large crowd comprising of 150-200 people came from the Eidgah area. They had stones and sticks in their hands. Instead of taking action against them, Inspector Amit Sihag ordered a Lathi Charge on the members of the Hindu community, including some journalists. At least seven of them got injured.”

According to Seth Congress district president, Salim Khan was present nearby. She said, “He was standing near the hospital with 200 men. Instead of questioning him, we are being targeted. They are suggesting we maintain peace. Are we the only ones responsible for maintaining peace? Why does no one question them (Congress)? The stone-pelting started after they came to the spot.”

She added, “When I tried to approach the Police that was controlling the crowd, stone-pelting restarted from their side. Gaurav Jain of BJYM took me back, saying I might get hit.” She further said Police alleged Hindus were drunk and ordered a lathi charge in which the mayor got hit. “After I got hit, the situation got tense. I calmed them down and asked them not to get provoked. The lady ACP standing there said she did not recognize me. Even if she could not recognize me, how can they order lathi-charge when there was a woman standing in the crowd.”

“When I objected, she said, “I would stay here for five years. Do whatever you want to do”. MLA Suryankanta Ji, members of VHP and other Hindu organizations, reached the spot soon,” Seth said. When asked if any complaint had been filed, she said, “So far, we have not filed any complaint because of the festivals. However, we are not going to let them do Namaz at the Jhalori Chowk. If they do, the administration will be responsible for whatever happens next.”

When the world media says that Muslims in India are oppressed and are treated differently, the ground reports suggest otherwise.