Authorities in a western Indian city have enforced an indefinite curfew following violent clashes triggered by Hindu nationalist groups advocating for the demolition of a historic Muslim ruler’s tomb.
The unrest erupted in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Monday during a demonstration demanding the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb, a 17th-century Mughal ruler. The protest led to confrontations between Hindu and Muslim communities, resulting in widespread chaos.
According to lawmaker Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the clashes left at least 34 police officers and five civilians injured, with multiple houses and vehicles sustaining damage. Senior police official Ravinder Singal confirmed that over 50 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, stated that the violence was fueled by rumors alleging that religious artifacts, including copies of the Quran, had been desecrated by protesters.
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Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar—formerly Aurangabad, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Nagpur—has long been a point of contention. Hindu nationalist factions accuse Aurangzeb of persecuting Hindus during his reign, although many historians argue that these claims are often exaggerated.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, hostilities between Hindu and Muslim communities have escalated, with growing animosity towards Aurangzeb frequently referenced in political discourse. Modi himself has previously accused the Mughal ruler of oppressing Hindus, a narrative that has intensified under his administration.
The release of the Bollywood film “Chhaava,” which portrays a Hindu warrior’s resistance against Aurangzeb, has further exacerbated tensions. Critics argue that the film perpetuates divisive historical narratives, potentially deepening religious divides in the country.
Religious tensions in India are not new, but human rights organizations note a surge in attacks on minority groups under Modi’s leadership. Critics accuse his government of discriminatory policies against Muslims, although the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has denied such claims.
Hindu nationalist groups have also targeted Muslim religious sites across India, contesting the origins of several historical mosques. Many of these disputes remain unresolved in the courts.
In a significant victory for Hindu nationalists last year, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, built on the site where the Babri Mosque once stood. The 16th-century mosque was demolished by Hindu mobs in 1992, who believed the site to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, one of Hinduism’s most revered deities.
As tensions continue to simmer, the imposition of the curfew in Maharashtra underscores the fragile communal relations in the country, with authorities on high alert to prevent further violence.