Rajasthan district tense, additional forces deployed

Additional forces were deployed in some villages of Rajasthan on Wednesday to maintain the peace after the demolition of a temple built on encroached land led to tension.

Incidents of stone pelting were reported from different villages of Rajsamand district after a tussle broke out between the administration and villagers of Tarsingda. On Tuesday night, a car was set on fire and a shop was also gutted.

The administration then called the villagers for fresh talks on Wednesday to ensure that the situation remains under control and they held no grudges with the administration.

"The villagers have been informed that if they want to have a temple at the said land, they will have to follow proper protocol and it seems they too have understood the same," said District Collector P.C. Berwal.

Berwal told IANS that the villagers of Tarsingda had installed an idol in a temple which was removed and the temple was demolished on Monday night as it was built on government land.

"As the temple was built on encroached land, we had to demolish it. However, the religious sentiments of the villagers were hurt in the process.

"On Tuesday evening, they took out a silent and peaceful procession. They were in large numbers and had gathered outside the Collectorate demanding the re-installation of idols in the temple. They also submitted a memorandum in the same reference," he said.

"Meanwhile, a few miscreants started raising inflammatory slogans while on their way to the village and some of them resorted to stone pelting making the situation tense in the village.

"The situation got worse when a car parked outside a school in the village was set on fire. Soon after, a shop was also gutted by the miscreants in Kakroli.

"Taking quick action, police arrested three people on charges of disturbing peace and harmony. Also, additional forces were deputed in sensitive areas to keep a strict vigil.

"Further investigations are on to find out if the tensions have been triggered with the help of outside forces. We never thought that a minor incident like this could trigger this kind of tension," Berwal said.

He added that the situation will be reviewed to decide if additional forces are required further.

Rajsamand had witnessed riots recently when the murder of Mohammed Afrazul went viral on social media and the accused Shambhulal Raigar was arrested.

--IANS

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