Locals flee homes as Ram Navami clashes spark fear of riots in Gujarat | Ground report
India Today
Riots were reported from three districts of Gujarat on Ram Navami: Sabarkantha district, Anand district and Devbhoomi Dwarka district. One person was also reportedly killed.
Several families are fleeing their homes in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district over fears of riots after two communities clashed on Ram Navami. Three districts in the state witnessed major clashes on Sunday with several policemen suffering injuries and vehicles being set afire during Ram Navami celebrations.
Riots were reported from Himmatnagar in the Sabarkantha district, Khambat in Anand district and Devbhoomi Dwarka district. One person was also reportedly killed.
A high level inquiry has been ordered by the ruling BJP in Gujarat, which will soon begin campaigning in the state for elections later this year.
Himatnagar is a town in Sabarkantha district. At Chhapriya road, two yatras were organised to mark Ram Navami. The first one was scheduled for 1 pm and the second for 4 pm.
The first rally, organized locally, has been happening for the last 40 years in an area that is communally sensitive.
According to the locals, there were no proper security arrangements for the first procession. The police have, however, blamed the ‘out of control’ crowd for the clashes.
Also Read: | Communal clashes erupt during Ram Navami rallies in 4 states, 1 dead in Gujarat
