At least five individuals lost their lives in clashes between Hindus and Muslims in the north Indian state of Haryana on Tuesday. As a result, authorities implemented a curfew, halted internet services, and deployed thousands of paramilitary forces. The violence initially erupted on Monday in Haryana’s Nuh district during a religious procession conducted by a Hindu nationalist group.
The clashes resulted in the deaths of four people, including two police officers. Additional skirmishes transpired in the nearby city of Gurugram, where a mosque was set ablaze, and a Muslim cleric was killed. However, there have been no reports of renewed violence since then. As a precautionary measure, local authorities ordered the closure of schools and colleges.
Communal violence has long plagued India, but some experts argue that religious divisions have intensified under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, exacerbating tensions and marginalizing minority groups. The country is also grappling with ethnic tensions in the northeastern state of Manipur, which have caused numerous casualties and displaced thousands.
