Muslim boys throw empty soft drink packets at Kanwariyas on Mahashivratri

Incident in Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand

(‘Kanwariyas’ are devotees who carry Ganga water to their village Shiv temple for Jalabhishek.)

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) – On the sacred day of Mahashivratri, in Jaspur of Udham Singh Nagar district, some Muslim boys threw empty Frooti drink packets at Kanwariyas from the rooftop of a house near Abdulwari Chowk, and later also threw wooden sticks. After a video of the incident circulated on social media, anger spread across the area and tension prevailed.

BJP workers and members of Hindutva organisations reached the Police station directly. On the other side, Muslims also gathered there. For some time, both groups stood face to face and the situation neared escalation. The environment became so tense that Police had to intervene immediately; otherwise the matter could have gone out of control.

Police summoned the concerned boys and their parents to the Police station for questioning and assured that strict action would be taken against them, following which the situation calmed to some extent. BJP leader Mr Sheetal Joshi alleged that the incident was pre-planned and carried out with the intention of obstructing the Kanwad Yatra. He demanded the strictest possible action against the accused. Police have sought two days for investigation and have taken some individuals into custody.

Editorial Perspectives

• Will the hypocritical secular political parties say whether such hatred against Hindus is taught in madarasas or instilled at home in Muslim children ?
• Hindus expect that such incidents should not occur when a BJP Government is in power in Uttarakhand.