On Monday, a religious procession known as the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra was attacked with stones in Mewat, Haryana.
According to reports, the violence started around 2 kilometres away from the temple when members of a minority community attacked a car in the parade.
Workers from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) replied by throwing stones back at the attackers. The VHP had already published an official statement announcing the start of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, which was organised by the VHP's Yuva Shakti Bajrang Dal.
On July 31, 2023, the Yatra was slated to commence at 10:00 a.m. from Nalhad Mahadev Temple and end at Shringar Temple in Punhana.
The itinerary comprised a variety of programmes, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a performance of Jalabhishek at Nalhar Mahadev Temple by labourers and worshippers from various districts of Haryana province.
Following that, Dr. Surendra Jain, the VHP's National Joint General Secretary, was set to speak at 11:00 a.m., after which all devotees would partake in food and prasad.
Dr. Surendra Jain would kick off the Yatra at 12:00 p.m., and the trek would conclude with a visit to Mata Mansa Devi Temple for darshan at 1:30 p.m.
Devotees were scheduled to see Lord Bholenath Ji's darshan and perform Jalabhishek at Jhirka Temple in Ferozepur Jhirka at 2:00 pm.
The Yatra was scheduled to end at 5:00 p.m. at Shri Shringar Mandir (Shri Krishna Temple) in Punhana.
The scene became tense, however, when the Yatra was met by stone-pelting in a chowk near the temple. The event generated worries among participants and authorities, prompting VHP employees to retaliate.
In such cases, it is critical that all persons concerned exhibit restraint and refrain from resorting to violence.
The authorities should conduct a comprehensive investigation into the occurrence in order to identify the offenders and pursue legal action against them.
Furthermore, it is critical to promote inter-community understanding and concord, ensuring that religious processions and activities are calm and free of disturbances or disputes.
Such occurrences can be avoided in the future by promoting an environment of mutual respect and tolerance, allowing people of all faiths to celebrate their respective traditions in peace.