HAZARIBAG: Stones were allegedly pelted during a religious procession in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district triggering tension in the area, police said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred near Jama Masjid Chowk around 11 pm on Tuesday when a Mangla procession was underway as part of the Ram Navami celebration, said Hazaribag sub-divisional police officer Parameshwar Kamti.
He said stones were pelted from both sides.
Police resorted to firing in the air to bring the situation under control, another officer said.
The police, however, claimed that the situation was under control and security deployment was ensured at the incident site.
"The exact reason for stone-throwing is yet to be ascertained. The people involved in the incident are being identified and they will be nabbed soon," he said.
According to locals, a dispute arose between two groups over the playing of communal songs, after which the situation escalated into stone-pelting, with stones being thrown from both sides.
An FIR has been filed against 10 named individuals and 200 unidentified people in connection with the incident.
Following a complaint from a deployed magistrate, the police have registered a case against five individuals from each community, along with 200 unidentified persons.
The Jharkhand Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on Wednesday over the "stone-pelting."
Trooping into the Well of the House, the BJP MLAs demanded stern action against the perpetrators and proper security arrangements during Hindu festivals.
The government assured the House that action would be taken against elements creating disturbances in a bid to maintain the communal harmony of the state.
As the House assembled for the day at around 11 am, BJP legislators raised the Hazaribag issue and demanded a discussion on it.
The MLAs trooped into the well of the House in support of their demand.
The Speaker urged them to allow the Question Hour to proceed.
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi said the incident that occurred in Hazaribag was not only serious but also sad.
"Why are disturbances created only during Hindu festivals, while no such incidents happen during others' festivals? Such incidents encourage disturbing elements. I urge the government to take cognizance of the incident and take serious action," Marandi said in the House.
He also urged the government to use modern technologies such as drones, CCTV cameras, and other technical gadgets to identify people who throw stones and bottles at processions.
In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radha Krishna Kishore said the incident was under the government's cognizance.
"The government will investigate the reasons behind the incident and take appropriate action. The government is serious about maintaining communal harmony of the state," Kishore said.
Kishore assured that after gathering details of the incident, he would inform the House in the second half.
Thereafter, the day's proceedings in the House began.
Meanwhile, Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Kumar on Wednesday made a veiled attack on the Opposition, he stated that the political parties are failing to understand the mandate of the people in the state.
"The root cause of these incidents is not hidden from you...If Hazaribagh has become the epicentre as an experiment land, then the government will definitely take cognizance of it...I clearly say that the people of Jharkhand have never welcomed such rebellious people and fringe elements. If political parties are failing to understand the mandate of the people, then after 2019, 2024, maybe in 2029, they will see its effect," Kumar told reporters.
A scuffle and mild stone pelting took place between two groups during Mangla Julus (procession) as part of the Ram Navami celebration at Jhanda Chowk of Jharkhand's Hazaribagh, officials said on Wednesday.
According to Nancy Sahay, Deputy Commissioner, Hazaribagh, the situation is peaceful and under control, as of now.
"One group was playing some songs during the procession, which was objected to by the second group, resulting in a scuffle and stone pelting. But it did not escalate as the forces deployed there took control of the situation. As of now, the situation is peaceful and under control," Sahay said.
Earlier on February 26, a scuffle broke out in Hazaribagh's Ichak area over the use of a sound system. The situation escalated into stone pelting, but authorities quickly stepped in.
Union Minister and BJP MP from Ranchi, Sanjay Seth, condemned the incident of violence in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, calling it "painful" and urging the government to take strict action against those responsible. Seth pointed out that violence has become a recurring pattern in Jharkhand, citing instances of clashes during festivals like Saraswati Puja, Ramnavami, Holi, and Shiv Barat. He questioned who was behind these disturbances, suggesting that Bangladeshi infiltrators were to blame for disrupting the state's demography and law and order.
Chaitra Navratri in 2025 will commence on March 30. The nine-day festival, which is also known as Rama Navratri, ends on Rama Navami, Lord Ram's birthday. All nine days of Navratri are devoted to honouring the nine incarnations of the goddess 'Shakti'.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)