Jabalpur, Feb 20 (NationPress) The aftermath of the communal unrest in Sihora, Madhya Pradesh, has seen a return to stability; however, substantial police presence remains to ensure safety in the community.

Disputes escalated in the sensitive Azad Chowk area of Sihora tehsil (Ward No 5) late Thursday night, triggered by alleged vandalism at a Durga Mata Temple during an ongoing aarti. This incident led to stone-pelting between conflicting groups, resulting in chaos.

The District Collector confirmed via social media that the situation is now completely under control.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Vishvas Sarang condemned the events, issuing a stern warning: "No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Anyone attempting to incite religious extremism will face consequences. The police are on the case, and strict measures will be enforced."

The altercation began around 9 p.m. while the aarti was being amplified through loudspeakers. Simultaneously, a mosque across the street was holding prayers (namaz). Reports suggest a dispute may have arisen over the loudspeaker volume or similar issues, leading to an alleged attack on the temple's grill by a youth.

This confrontation attracted crowds from both sides, with police sources reporting that miscreants armed with sticks and stones engaged in a ten-minute bout of stone-pelting, creating a stampede-like atmosphere.

Police units from Sihora, Khitauli, and Gosalpur, bolstered by additional forces from Jabalpur city, responded to the incident.

High-ranking officials, including the Jabalpur Range IG, DIG, District Collector, and Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay, were on-site throughout the night.

Authorities utilized tear gas and mild lathi charges to disperse the crowds and re-establish order. No significant damage to religious structures was reported beyond the initial vandalism, and serious injuries have not been confirmed as of yet.

Over 15 individuals have been apprehended in connection with the unrest, with further detentions anticipated as police analyze CCTV footage and continue their investigation.

The administration has cautioned against unlawful assemblies and urged the public to maintain peace. Azad Chowk has historically been regarded as a sensitive area due to the closeness of the temple and mosque, and officials reiterated that tranquility has been restored, with no additional disturbances reported as of Friday morning.

Authorities have called on the public to refrain from spreading rumors and to cooperate in fostering harmony. An investigation is ongoing to identify all parties involved and clarify the events that transpired.