What Happened in Nagaur Over Maharaja Surajmal's Statue Installation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tensions erupted in Jodhiyasi village over a statue installation.
- Clashes occurred despite police presence.
- Community members are divided on public space utilization.
- The installation has been a point of contention for nearly a year.
- Efforts are underway to resolve the dispute amicably.
Jaipur, Nov 18 (NationPress) Tensions flared in Jodhiyasi village of Rajasthan on Tuesday regarding the installation of a statue of Maharaja Surajmal at a public square.
A clash occurred around 1:30 PM when one faction attempted to set up a tent at the contested site. Despite police presence, stone pelting ensued, compelling officers to disperse the crowds.
Police units from nine stations, along with RAC and Quick Response Team units, were dispatched to the bus stand intersection where the incident unfolded. Officials indicated that the situation is currently stabilized. The conflict has persisted for nearly a year, with plans to install three statues—those of Lord Parshuram, Maharana Pratap, and Maharaja Surajmal—in the village.
However, late Monday night, one faction independently erected the statue of Maharaja Surajmal at the disputed location. By 5 AM Tuesday, members from both factions began staging sit-ins.
One group claims they have no issue with the statue's installation but oppose its location in the public square, which is home to government offices and the village bus stand.
“This area already experiences parking challenges. Placing the statue elsewhere in the village would alleviate inconvenience,” stated villager Karan Singh.
They also accused Sarpanch Kamala Mund and her representative Dayalram Mund of inciting the installation. Conversely, the opposing faction argues that the Gram Sabha had previously approved the statue's installation at this site as part of village beautification efforts.
“The proposal was sanctioned by the District Collector and forwarded to the Divisional Commissioner, though it awaits final approval,” mentioned Sarpanch representative Dayalram Mund.
When the group that installed the statue sought to erect more tents in the afternoon, the other faction raised objections.
As police attempted to mediate, both sides threw stones at the installation site.
District Collector Arun Kumar Purohit reported that senior officials, including the Additional District Collector, SDM, and Additional SP, were present to oversee the situation.
Efforts are ongoing to broker a resolution between both factions, although discussions have yet to reach a conclusion.