Assam: Violence for taking Ram's name or planned conspiracy in Sonitpur violence?

Violence erupted between two groups leaving several persons injured and motorcycles damaged. The clash erupted after locals of Thelamara, belonging to a particular community, objected a bike rally taken out by Bajrang Dal activists to mark the Ram Temple event. Later, locals set several bikes and a four-wheeler ablaze.

After the incident, communal tensions have been cited in reports. Speaking to the reporter, a local of the area said they were beaten as they took the name of Ram and there were even slogans of "Pakistan Zindabad". However, the district administration has denied hearing such slogans. Ashok Singhal BJP MLA, Dhekiajuli too spoke in front of the gathering. He talked about "destroying Ravana and that even laws can't merely protect the Hindus".

Amid this there are also reports of few irregularities which has been raised by people close to the matter: the involved Ram Sena and Bajrang Dal had no permission, the COVID-19 administration guidelines were violated by the people taking out the processions. Initially, the procession was limited to National Highway but then it was shifted to the village, who attacked the car of DC? Who burnt the cars?

Also read: Assam: CM Sonowal directs DGP to conduct probe into Sonitpur violence

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the Director-General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta to conduct a probe into the Sonitpur violence that took place on August 5^th, 2020.

Meanwhile, GP Singh, ADGP (Law and Order), visited the violence site following the Chief Minister’s direction.

The ADGP said that at least 12 people were injured and nine bikes were set ablaze in the incident. “We have registered four cases into the incident and started investigation,” he said.

The Sonitpur deputy commissioner Manvendra Pratap Singh imposed curfew in the region with effect from August 5^th, 2020 until further order after the clashes erupted between two communities over a rally organised to celebrate the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

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