Gurgaon – Hindu outfits have announced their intentions to hold the annual Brajmandal Shobha Yatra in Nuh this year, raising concerns about law and order, especially as Haryana approaches assembly elections. The event has sparked apprehension due to the violent clashes that erupted during last year’s yatra, which led to riots across several districts in south Haryana.
Last Year’s Violence
The previous year’s yatra on July 31 ended in violence, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including two homeguards, and injuring around 90 others. The violence was triggered by stone-pelting on the participants, which escalated into widespread riots.
Plans for This Year’s Yatra
Despite the absence of official intimation to authorities, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are mobilizing supporters from all 22 districts of Haryana for the procession, expected to take place on July 22. Rajkumar Garg of Agrawal Mahasabha Nuh stated, “This year, the yatra will be organized under the guidance of sadhus and religious leaders of various Hindu organizations.”
Anurag Kulshrestha, the VHP’s social media head in the state, insisted that the event would be purely religious and non-political. “It will be led by sadhus who will focus on the spiritual significance of the yatra. We will ensure it remains peaceful and devotional,” he said. Kulshrestha added that around 15,000 people are expected to participate in the rally, which will start from Tau Devi Lal stadium in Gurgaon and proceed to the Mahadev temple in Nalhar.
Security Measures
In light of last year’s violence, organizers have planned additional security measures. Volunteers will guard the participants, and devotees will be discouraged from engaging in any controversial activity. Kulshrestha emphasized that participants should avoid making inflammatory posts on social media and maintain a non-political stance throughout the yatra.
Authorities’ Response
Nuh DC Dhirendra Khadgata and Police Chief Vijay Pratap stated that no permissions had been sought or granted for the yatra. “The district administration is not aware of any such yatra so far. If we receive information, we will initiate action,” Khadgata said. Pratap assured that the police would ensure the event, if held, is conducted peacefully and without any incidents. “Nuh has always maintained brotherhood and will continue to do so in the future. The administration will be on its toes,” he added.
Community Concerns
Nuh legislator Aftab Ahmed of Congress expressed his worries over the yatra, citing last year’s violence. “The district administration and police must look into all aspects of law and order,” he urged.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Brajmandal Shobha Yatra, first organized in 2020, has since become an annual affair. The procession touches significant religious sites, including an ancient Shiva temple in Nuh, another temple in the Aravalis of Firozpur Jhirka, and concludes at a place of worship in Singar village of Punhana.
Conclusion
As the date for the yatra approaches, the focus remains on maintaining peace and security in Nuh. The administration and police are preparing to prevent any recurrence of last year’s unfortunate incidents, ensuring that the yatra is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
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