Religious Extremists Stone Durga Devi Idol Immersion Procession

Incident in Muslim-Majority Area of Gonda (Uttar Pradesh)

Gonda (Uttar Pradesh) – In the Muslim-majority area of Ghosiyana, under the Nagar Kotwali Police Station, religious extremists from the Muslim community pelted stones at the immersion procession of the Durga Devi Idol. After this incident, additional police forces were called in, and the procession continued.

On the evening of 12^thOctober, around 7 PM, the immersion procession was heading toward Khaira Temple Lake. During this time, stones were thrown from 2-3 storied houses, causing chaos for a brief period. (Authorities should investigate whether these houses are legal. If they are illegal, action should be taken! – Editor). The famous Takia Mosque is also situated in this area. (It is noteworthy that attacks on
Hindu religious processions are most frequent in areas where mosques are located! – Editor). After the stoning, Hindus began a protest by holding a sit-in at the location. The procession resumed only after additional police were deployed and authorities assured action against the perpetrators.

Editorial Perspectives

• While the stoning by religious extremists in Kashmir has been successfully curbed, why can’t similar attacks on Hindu religious processions across the country be stopped ? All party governments must respond to the Hindus’ question !

• If such situations exist in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP is in power, what must be the conditions in other states ?