A maha panchayat was held at Palwal in Haryana on Sunday to decide on resuming VHP's Braj Mandal Yatra in Nuh, that was disrupted on July 31 after communal violence broke out in the area.
The 'Sarva Jatiye Mahapanchayat' by Hindu outfits was initially planned at Nuh but had to be shifted to Haryana's Pondri village in Palwal after being denied permission.
"Permission for the event has been given in Palwal," Deputy Superintendent of Police (headquarters) Sandeep Mor said on Sunday. Officials had allowed only 500 people to attend the panchayat. Other conditions included banning bringing weapons, sticks, batons, or any flammable object. Tight security was also arranged for the meeting.
"We have explained the conditions, adding that only 500 people are allowed, and it should end by 2pm. Ample security arrangements have been made," Mor added.
Meanwhile, though the police had warned the participants not to engage in hate speech, reports emerged that some were openly threatening the police and engaging in hate speech. According to an NDTV report, some speakers were heard saying, "If you raise a finger, we will cut off your hands," while another demanded licences for rifles.
Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the communal clashes that erupted in Nuh when a VHP procession was attacked by a mob.
Meanwhile, the VHP leader had earlier claimed that the yatra will resume on August 28 in Nuh after the earlier one came under attack. However, the Gurugram police appealed to the residents not to take out any rally or procession without permission.
VHP division minister Devender Singh told PTI on Friday, "All the Hindu groups decided to complete the yatra on August 28 which was attacked on July 31 in Nuh. Hope that the yatra will be completed with admiration and enthusiasm."
In an official statement, the Gurugram Police Friday requested the general public to refrain from raising provocative slogans, making speeches, carrying banners or indulging in acts that may hurt the sentiments of any community and disturb the peace. "We have not made this appeal for any specific procession. The situation is normal in the district and we appealed only to maintain peace, law and order in the district," said Varun Dahiya, ACP crime.
