Ajmer Collector bans crowds, religious flags and loudspeakers after Karauli violence

Section 144
Image Courtesy:news.abplive.com

Ajmer district administration imposed Section 144, banned flags bearing religious symbols and loudspeakers in religious and public places from April 7, following violence in Karauli, reported the Free Press Journal.

Rajasthan’s Karauli city has been in a state of turmoil since April 2, when right-wing outfits like the Vishva Hindu Parishad(VHP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bajrang Dal took out a rally during Nav Samvatsar. The ensuing stone-pelting and property damages in minority community areas has put nearby regions including Ajmer on high alert.

While authorities in the violence-hit region extended curfew upto April 10, 2022, Ajmer authorities thought it safe to impose Section 144 as a precautionary measure during upcoming festival. In an order published on Thursday, District Collector Ansh Deep said that miscreants attempt to disturb communal harmony by raising flags with religious symbols on public property such as government buildings, undertakings, rest houses, public parks, circle electric and telephone poles, etc. during religious occasions. As such, he called for preventive action to maintain social harmony and public peace.

“In view of the above circumstances, I [prohibit] the installation of flags with religious insignia on public property in the entire urban and rural area of Ajmer without any competent sanction… If a person violates the above orders, he may be prosecuted under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code,” said Ansh.

Curfew

The order will be in effect for a month from Thursday 10 AM. Further, the administration also banned the use of loudspeakers in public and religious places to “curb noise pollution”. This includes DJ events during functions. As per the order, anyone wanting to use these items will have to take permission form the Sub-District Magistrate in advance. This permission will not be given for use between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Curfew

Recently, right-wing groups and supporters have started a vehement hate campaign against the use of loudspeakers by mosques. Notably, there was a controversy in Maharashtra where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray lashed out against the Muslim community and demanded speakers twice the height of the religious structure be placed outside mosques to play Hanuman Chalisa. Days later, Karnataka Hindutva groups called for a ban of loudspeakers in mosques.

Meanwhile, tensions in Karauli continue. On Friday, The Cognate’s Delhi Correspondent Ghazala Ahmad and her colleague Ahmed Kasim were allegedly manhandled by the local police while trying to report on the previous week’s attacks. The two journalists later reported they were able to leave the area safely.

Update: We’ve safely managed to leave the place.
— Ghazala Ahmad (@ghazalaahmad5) April 8, 2022