Two years after the communal riots in Nuh district that claimed six lives and left behind a trail of fear and tension, the Jalabhishek Yatra is set to take place in a full scale this Monday. With memories of the violence still fresh, the district administration is not taking any chance and has stepped up security measures in place, banning weapons, closely monitoring social media, and barring individuals involved in the 2023 clashes from joining the event.
As a precautionary move, all schools in the district, government and private, have been ordered to shut down on Monday, with officials citing “student safety and administrative convenience” as the key reasons for the decision.
The sudden closure orders have left students and schools in the lurch. Internal assessments have been postponed, exams have been rescheduled, and academic plans have been interrupted without warning.
To add to the challenges, mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended for 24 hours across Nuh. While some essential communication services are still running.
An official statement from the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) said mobile internet, data services, and bulk SMS will remain suspended until 9 pm on Monday. The move, it said, is aimed at curbing misinformation and preventing the use of social media to incite unrest.
More than 2,500 security personnel have been deployed across the district and drone surveillance will be used to ensure that the yatra is carried out peacefully. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed, banning public gatherings, loudspeakers, and even licensed firearms.
Police sources confirmed that several individuals who had been posting communally provocative content have been detained. Notably, cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi has been barred from participating in the yatra after ignoring repeated warnings and continuing to share inciting posts online. His social media accounts have also been suspended.
“We are all set for the yatra and it will be conducted peacefully. We have taken all security measures and anybody trying to disrupt the harmony will be dealt with seriously. We are focusing not just on security but also convenience. The traffic diversions are in place and heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the route,” said Deputy Commissioner Vishram Meena.
“We have prohibited participation of all suspected to impact the safety of the procession. The route has been finalised and clear instructions have been issued to participants. Nobody will be allowed to carry swords, sticks or any weapons. The area is already under drone surveillance,” Nuh Police spokesperson said.
The Jalabhishek Yatra is held annually on the first Monday of the Hindu holy month of Saawan every year, and a large number of devotees visit ancient Shiva temples in Nuh, especially the shrine at Nalhar, to offer Ganga water.
In recent years, the yatra has also drawn right-wing groups and cow vigilante outfits, with earlier processions often featuring swords and inflammatory slogans.
The 2023 yatra saw violence when mobs clashed, torched vehicles, fired gunshots and pelted stones. Several police stations and outposts were attacked. This was the first time Mewat witnessed communal riots, which resulted in deep social wounds.
Last year, the yatra was scaled down. This year’s the yatra is being resumed in full scale, which has led the authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any potential unrest.
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