Haryana Government Denies Permission to VHP’s Jal Abhishek Yatra in Nuh District, Citing Law and Order Concerns
The Haryana government has refused permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for their upcoming Jal Abhishek yatra in Nuh district. The decision was made due to concerns about potential law and order issues. The yatra, which was initially scheduled for 31 July, was disrupted when members of the Muslim community attacked it. Following this incident, the Nuh district commissioner, Dhirendra Khadgata, officially rejected the permission request on 22 August.
The police and intelligence had expressed apprehension that the yatra could lead to further law and order problems, prompting the denial of permission. During the previous attempt at the yatra on 31 July, more than 3,000 people from across Haryana gathered in Nuh. The devotees faced attacks at various spots, with locals throwing stones and glass bottles at them. The clash resulted in several casualties, including the deaths of four people on the spot and two others in subsequent retaliatory violence. Over 250 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence so far.
The Jal Abhishek yatra, also known as the Brij Mandal Jal Abhishek Yatra, is a tradition that has been observed for the past three years. Organized by the VHP in collaboration with other religious groups, the yatra involves devotees congregating at the Nalhar Shiv temple and then embarking on a Mewat Darshan, which includes visits to significant temples across Nuh.
Nuh, previously known as Mewat, is home to the Meo community, which is predominantly Muslim. The district acquired its new name in 2016 when the Haryana government decided to change it. The yatra derives its name from the ritual of pouring water on a Shivling at the Nalhar temple, situated amidst three steep hills. From there, the devotees proceed to visit temples such as Jhirakeshwar Mahadev, Radha Krishna Temple, and Shringeshwar Mahadev before concluding the yatra in Sohna, Gurugram.
While the VHP has not yet commented on the denial of permission, Amit Kumar, a Gurugram resident and VHP affiliate, highlighted the importance of the yatra in maintaining the functionality of these temples and preventing their encroachment. He mentioned that despite the possibility of the yatra being permanently stopped, activists like him would continue to participate and ensure its continuation.
The incident has sparked conversations about the future of the yatra and the balance between religious festivities and maintaining peace and harmony in sensitive areas. It remains to be seen whether the yatra will be permitted in the future, but for now, the concerns raised by the police and intelligence have led to the rejection of permission for the upcoming event.
The denial of permission to the VHP’s Jal Abhishek yatra in Nuh district reflects the government’s focus on maintaining law and order in the region. While religious processions hold cultural significance, authorities must consider the potential risks and take appropriate measures to prevent any untoward incidents. As discussions continue, it is essential to find a balanced approach that respects religious sentiments while ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
