Curfew was imposed in 10 police stations of Jodhpur city on Tuesday after communal tension broke out. Udai Mandir, Nagori Gate, Khanda Phalsa, Pratap Nagar, Dev Nagar, Soor Sagar and Sardarpura are among the police stations limits where the curfew has been imposed until May 4 midnight, according to the police control room.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot directed the Minister of State for Home Rajendra Yadav, Minister inicharge for Jodhpur Subhash Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Home Abhay Kumar and Additional DG (Law and Order) Hawa Singh Ghumaria to travel to Jodhpur by helicopter.
Gehlot chaired a high-level review meeting in this connection and gave necessary directions. Hours before Eid, communal tension broke out in Jodhpur leading to stone pelting.
Five policemen were injured in the incident that took place past midnight.
The situation was brought under control with heavy deployment of police, but the tension re-escalated after the Namaz of Eid on Tuesday morning when some people pelted stones near the Jalori Gate in Jodhpur.
Meanwhile, under fire Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday described communal tensions in Jodhpur unfortunate and directed officials to take stern action against those responsible for it. A criminal, irrespective of his religion, caste or class, must not be spared, the CM told officials addressing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office in Jaipur.
The CM said people of all religions have been celebrating all festivals with love and brotherhood in Rajasthan and Jodhpur is known for its social affinity.
‘These traditions must continue,’ the CM said while appealing to the public to maintain peace, according to a statement.
He also asked officials to organise meetings of community liaison groups (CLG) across the state and create an atmosphere of peace among different communities.
Gehlot said anti-social elements must be identified at the police station-level and strict action be taken against them.
Legal action should be taken against those spreading misleading messages and rumours on social media, he said.
