A policeman at the site after a communal clash during the Ram Navami procession in Himmatnagar.
Highlights
- 2 weeks after Ram Navami clash, demolition drive launched in Gujarat’s Himmatnagar
- Bulldozers razed illegal constructions in the area
- The action comes a week after similar drive in Delhi's Jahangirpuri
The civic body in Gujarat's Himmatnagar on Tuesday morning launched a demolition drive. The bulldozers razed illegal constructions in the area amid heavy police deployment. The demolition in Himmatnagar is reminiscent of what had happened in Delhi's Jahangirpuri last week. Bulldozers tore down several concrete and temporary structures close to a mosque in Jahangirpuri as part of an anti-encroachment drive by the BJP-ruled civic body, days after the northwest Delhi neighbourhood was rocked by communal violence. However, the Supreme Court put a stay on the demolition drive and posted the matter for hearing in May.
Also Read | Jahangirpuri violence: Tiranga Yatra to promote brotherhood today; heavy police force deployed
Gujarat's Himmatnagar town had witnessed communal clashes and arson during Ram Navami celebrations on April 10 and a day later stones and petrol bombs were hurled in the Vanzaravas area of the town. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated to the Police and Home Department that Gujarat is a peaceful, safe, secure and developed state which has a reputation all over the country. He added "state government is fully committed to maintain peace, security and social harmony in the state and will not allow any obstruction under any circumstances."
In the meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Patel, the Minister of State for Home Affairs informed the Chief Minister at the meeting that "attempts to disrupt the peace, security and social harmony of the state have been made by some elements at these two places, but the Home Department and the police have taken stern action against the persons involved in the incidents."
He informed that the investigators into these incidents have detained 9 persons in Khambhat and 22 persons in Himmatnagar and the police have taken legal action against a total of 31 persons.
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