Religious Procession Turns Turbulent: Moharram Participants and Police Clash in Delhi
Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events during the observance of Moharram in the national capital today, a solemn religious procession took a violent turn when participants sought to deviate from the predetermined route and enter Surajmal Stadium with their Tazias. The situation escalated as police officials denied the request, leading to clashes between the participants and law enforcement.
The incident occurred in the midst of the annual Moharram processions, where devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. As a significant event for the Muslim community, Moharram processions are usually carried out with reverence and peacefulness.
However, tensions flared when some of the Moharram participants insisted on changing their route and marching towards Surajmal Stadium with their symbolic Tazias. The police, responsible for maintaining order and security during public events, intervened and attempted to disperse the crowd to avoid potential disruptions.
As the situation escalated, the atmosphere turned chaotic with participants and police facing off. The solemn religious crowd expressed their discontent by pelting stones at government buses and other nearby structures. Reports indicate that some DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) buses were attacked by hoodlums in the Surajmal Vihar area of East Delhi during the clashes.
Authorities swiftly mobilized additional forces to bring the situation under control. Water cannons and tear gas were employed to disperse the unruly crowd and prevent further escalation of violence. Paramedics were also on standby to provide medical assistance to anyone injured during the clashes.
Vandalism & stone pelting during #Moharram2023 procession in Outer Delhi. pic.twitter.com/hw0PACSvDj
— Pramod Kumar Singh (@SinghPramod2784) July 29, 2023
As the clashes subsided, authorities managed to restore order and regain control of the situation. Several individuals were reportedly detained for their involvement in the violence and will be facing legal consequences for their actions.
The Delhi Police have issued a statement condemning the violent actions during the Moharram procession and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and safety during religious events. They urged the public to adhere to the predetermined routes and cooperate with the authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident has raised concerns over the need for better coordination between organizers, authorities, and participants during religious processions to ensure smooth and peaceful observance.
As investigations continue, the city remains on alert to prevent any further disruptions or potential flare-ups during the Moharram period. Authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent any untoward incidents and protect the safety of citizens and visitors.
