Synopsis
Pawan Khera of the Congress Party has criticized CM Fadnavis over the unrest in Nagpur, highlighting the alarming nature of the violence. He noted that the city has never seen riots in its 300-year history, calling the recent clashes a weaponization of history.Key Takeaways
- Pawan Khera condemns Nagpur unrest.
- Violence erupted over Aurangzeb tomb protests.
- Police used tear gas to disperse crowds.
- Misinformation exacerbates tensions.
- CM Fadnavis urges public support for authorities.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Pawan Khera, the leader of the Media and Publicity division of the All India Congress Committee, expressed his dismay regarding the turmoil in Nagpur, asserting that the recent surge of violence in this Maharashtra city is extremely concerning.
Khera took to X to express, “The reports of riots in Nagpur are highly troubling. The Mahal area is the Chief Minister’s own territory. In its 300-year history, Nagpur has never witnessed riots. Recently, there have been efforts to manipulate this 300-year legacy to incite divisions, distractions, and unrest. These confrontations reveal the true nature of the ruling regime's ideology - both at the national and state levels.”
Violent clashes erupted in the heart of Nagpur following protests by Hindu groups demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb.
It was a disorderly Monday as stones were hurled at police officers, ignited by rampant rumors.
Reports and videos on social media indicated that the stone-pelting resulted in injuries to four individuals.
To control the chaotic crowd wreaking havoc in Chitnis Park and the Mahal area, police personnel resorted to tear gas and baton charges, although the unrest soon spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, as reported by authorities.
These reports indicated that as stones flew through the air, numerous vehicles sustained damage, while police struggled to manage mobs numbering in the thousands.
The unrest reportedly ignited after rumors surfaced that a religious text had been desecrated during the protest.
In the rural areas of Nagpur, law enforcement has been called in for assistance, while the cyber division attempts to counter the rampant spread of misinformation.
The chaos resulted in 25 to 30 motorcycles and a few cars being set ablaze.
The Chief Minister’s Office of Maharashtra stated that officials are dealing with the unrest triggered by stone-throwing and rising tensions in the Mahal district.
“Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged the public to unite with the government,” the statement read.
“We are in constant contact with the police, and we encourage residents to support them. Nagpur has historically been a symbol of peace and unity—this is its heritage. The Chief Minister calls on everyone to reject false narratives and stand with the officials,” the statement concluded.
