Communal tensions flared in Barkatha, Jharkhand on Sunday following a clash between two communities during a yagya and accompanying procession near a mosque. The situation escalated rapidly with stone-pelting and reports of straw piles being set ablaze, prompting a swift security response from local authorities.
Superintendent of Police Arvind Kumar Singh, in a statement to media, confirmed the events:
“A ‘yagya’ was happening, and a procession was being taken out. During that, a clash erupted between two communities near a mosque. Stones were pelted, and then some people set straw piles on fire. Right now, the situation is under control. FIR will be registered.”
Fire department officials confirmed partial damage due to the fire. Head Constable SK Singh, from the Koderma Fire Station, said:
“We saw that 4-5 rooms caught fire. We have extinguished the fire. Now the situation is under control.”
Background of Tensions in Hazaribagh Region
This incident follows previous clashes in Hazaribagh district, highlighting the sensitive communal atmosphere in parts of Jharkhand:
- On March 26, stone pelting occurred during a Mangla Julus (Ram Navami procession) at Jhanda Chowk, Hazaribagh. According to Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahay, the conflict began over songs played during the procession, which some objected to.
- On February 26, a similar scuffle broke out in Ichak over a sound system, escalating briefly before law enforcement restored order.
Current Status
Police officials have stated that adequate force has been deployed in Barkatha to prevent any further escalation. An FIR will be lodged, and investigations into the cause and the individuals involved are underway. Authorities have appealed to the public to maintain peace and communal harmony.
This string of recent incidents underscores the importance of careful coordination and community outreach during sensitive religious events, especially in regions with a history of tensions.