Authorities in Haryana’s Nuh district have shut down schools and suspended internet services as part of stringent security measures ahead of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, reflecting heightened concerns over possible unrest due to the violent clashes that marred the event two years ago. The district has implemented a raft of preventive restrictions, including bans on drones and non-vegetarian food sales along the yatra route, aiming to maintain law and order during the sensitive procession.
In preparation for the yatra scheduled for Monday, July 14, the Haryana government announced the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services across Nuh district until 9 PM on the same day. The move, officially ordered by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Haryana, is intended to curb the spread of misinformation and ensure public safety. However, SMS services linked to essential banking, mobile recharges, and voice calls will continue to function during this period.
The district administration has also declared a holiday for all government and private schools in Nuh, citing student safety and the convenience of families in the area during the yatra. Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena directed the District Education Officer to oversee the enforcement of this order, ensuring that schools remain closed throughout Monday to prevent any potential disruption near yatra routes and sensitive areas.
Food and Aerial Restrictions Along the Yatra Route
In addition to internet and school closures, the district administration has banned the sale, public display, and hanging of non-vegetarian food items along the yatra route. This ban covers meat, fish, and similar products and will remain in place from 6 AM to midnight on July 14, specifically on the route spanning Nalhad Mahadev Temple, Zhirkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Ferozepur Jhirka, and Singar Temple in Singar village. Shops and eateries around religious sites have also been directed to comply with this restriction to maintain the sanctity of the yatra and prevent communal tensions.
The district has further prohibited the use of drones, microlight aircraft, gliders, hot air balloons, kite flying, and fireworks as part of its heightened security protocols. This ban is aimed at eliminating any potential disruptions or threats to the safety of devotees and law enforcement personnel monitoring the event.
Precautionary Measures Rooted in Past Violence
The restrictions imposed by the Haryana government stem from concerns rooted in the violence that erupted during the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra in 2023. That year, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by a mob, leading to the deaths of five individuals, including two home guards. The violence also spilled into Gurugram, where a naib imam was killed at a mosque amid incidents of arson and clashes, leaving at least 200 people injured across the region.
The communal clashes during the yatra not only highlighted deep-rooted tensions in the district but also underscored the vulnerability of such religious processions to violence. Given these past incidents, authorities are prioritising preventive measures to avoid any escalation of communal tensions during this year’s yatra.
The Haryana government’s actions, including the shutdown of schools, suspension of mobile internet, and enforcement of food and aerial restrictions, reflect its cautious approach to maintaining peace while allowing the religious event to proceed. The administration has also urged the public to cooperate with the restrictions to ensure a peaceful environment during the yatra.
As the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra proceeds under tight security, authorities in Haryana’s Nuh district remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation to prevent any recurrence of past violence while safeguarding the religious sentiments of participants and maintaining public order.
