Gurugram, 3 August, 2023 (GNP): A wave of fear and violence has swept through Gurugram, a predominantly Hindu city near India’s capital, New Delhi, following an attack on the Anjuman Jama mosque in Sector 57.
The incident, alleged to be the work of a Hindu far-right mob, has left the mosque in ruins and claimed the life of Mohammad Saad, the 22-year-old naib (deputy) imam who was inside during the attack.
The assault on the mosque occurred on the night of July 31, shortly after communal violence erupted in the nearby Nuh district in Haryana state. Reports suggest that a Hindu religious procession organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, both Hindu far-right organizations aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), turned violent in Nuh, leading to clashes with Muslim men and resulting in several deaths, including two policemen.
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The situation in Gurugram escalated despite authorities deploying additional troops, imposing a curfew, and suspending internet services. Hindu mobs targeted Muslim-owned shops, eateries, properties, and places of worship, inflicting widespread damage and instilling fear among the Muslim community.
In response to the violence, Gurugram Police Commissioner Kala Ramachandran stated that some kiosks were damaged in arson. Authorities are investigating the incidents and have made arrests in connection with the attacks on the mosque.
We request the public to please not worry. There have been some incidents of arson and skirmishes today. But there has been no major incident.
We have strengthened security in sensitive areas and are on alert to maintain peace.— Gurugram Police (@gurgaonpolice) August 1, 2023
The unrest has raised concerns as global leaders prepare to gather in New Delhi for the Group of 20 (G20) summit. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet commented on the situation, despite growing questions over his silence on recent ethnic violence in Manipur, which has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of thousands.
Shadab Anwar, elder brother of the slain imam, expressed skepticism about the authorities’ ability to provide adequate protection, citing previous instances of violence targeting Muslims where police were perceived to be complacent. Anwar recounted speaking to his brother half an hour before the attack, revealing that Saad had reassured him about the presence of police at the mosque.
Authorities continue their investigations and work towards restoring peace.