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Naya Nagar, a bustling area in Mira Road, located near Mumbai, has been in a state of unease for the past two days. A group of young men on motorcycles have been reportedly coming near local mosques and shouting objectionable slogans, causing disturbance and agitation among the residents.
The situation came to a head today when five men were caught by the locals outside the Mohammadi mosque on Lodha road and handed over to the police. According to sources, the young men, who are now in police custody, are students of local colleges and did not seem affiliated with any organization.
The incident has raised concerns among the residents of Naya Nagar, who fear that such attempts to disturb the peace might escalate and lead to communal tensions in the area. In response, an impromptu citizens collective comprising both Hindus and Muslims has come together to help avoid any untoward incident in the area.
Local resident and CPI(M) leader Sadique Basha, who visited the police station, spoke to Sabrangindia and said, “The Naya Nagar police acted swiftly and decisively averting a flare-up. In light of Friday prayers tomorrow, we have requested that adequate police bandobast be done in front of mosques in Naya Nagar.”
The incident has sent shock waves across the region, with many residents expressing their concern and urging the authorities to take stringent measures to ensure the safety of the people. The police, on their part, have assured the residents that they are taking all necessary steps to maintain law and order in the area.
It should be noted that recently a ‘Hindu Jan Akrosh’ rally was held in Mira Road, one of the many that have been organised across Maharashtra since last December. These rallies are often attended by ministers and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and hate speeches are made, which further fuel communal tensions.
In Mira Road, a particularly vicious speech was made by one Kajal Hindustani during the rally. She rechristened Naya Nagar as ‘Jihadi Nagar’ and made objectionable comments against both Christians and Muslims. A delegation of residents had even met the Commissioner of Police seeking action against Ms. Hindustani for her hate speech.
It is worth noting that recently, a case was registered against Kajal Hindustani in Una, Gujarat, for hurting religious sentiments.
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