HARYANA: In a spate of clashes and riots erupting in Haryana and Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, mosques have been attacked and set on fire, exacerbating tensions and resulting in casualties, western and local media reported on Sunday.
The most recent incident took place in Haryana, where a mosque was engulfed in flames, leading to the tragic death of imam amidst escalating violence between religious groups.
Meanwhile, in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, reports emerged of BJP-linked individuals setting fire to a mosque resulting in further loss of life and injuries as the situation spiraled out of control in the area.
The communal violence and riots, attributed to the Modi government’s targeting of Muslim communities, has resulted in two confirmed fatalities and more than hundred people injured. Arson attacks, widespread vehicle vandalism and stone pelting have further marred the affected areas.
Mosques Set Ablaze Across Modi’s India: Report
According to local media in response to the escalating chaos, authorities hastily imposed curfews in the affected regions, heightening fears of further bloodshed in the region.
The official death toll, however, has also raised concerns after differences emerged in reporting. District Magistrate Vandana Singh also faced scrutiny following the initial death count was mysteriously decreased, raising suspicions of a thoughtful attempt to downplay the severity of the situation in the violence hit area.
This new wave of violence against religious minorities echoes past cases of oppression under the Modi government’s tenure, including the disputed construction of the Ram Temple on the site of the historical Babri Masjid and the demolition of the Akhunji Masjid in New Delhi, further highlighting concerns over religious freedoms and minority rights across India.
