Tension Prevails in MP’s Sihora After Communal Clash; 49 Arrested

Jabalpur (PTI): Tension prevailed in Sihora town of Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district after a clash between Hindu and Muslim groups led to stone-pelting and vandalism late Thursday night. Police said 49 people have been arrested so far and efforts are underway to identify and detain others involved.

The violence broke out around 10 pm near Azad Chowk, where a Durga temple and a mosque are located close to each other. Officials said the situation is currently under control and no injuries have been reported, though a heavy police presence remains in the area. Most shops in Sihora stayed closed on Friday.

According to Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay, police initially tried to disperse the crowd using “mild force”, but later had to lob eight to ten teargas shells when the situation escalated. “We are not allowing people to roam unnecessarily in the affected area and are monitoring the situation using drones,” he said.

Additional SP Suryakant Sharma confirmed that 49 individuals have been arrested and more suspects are likely to be identified within 24 hours.

District Collector Raghavendra Singh denied reports that stones were hurled specifically at the temple, as alleged by some Hindu activists. He said the stone-pelting occurred between two groups and that the situation is now under control. “Curfew will not be imposed,” he added.

However, Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Sarang, speaking from Bhopal, said viral videos showing stones allegedly collected at the mosque are under investigation. “No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla stated that instructions have been issued to ensure maintenance of law and order.

Hindu organisations alleged that some miscreants broke the iron gate of the temple while an ‘aarti’ was being performed and also pelted stones. Meanwhile, local Muslim residents said the clash erupted when Taraweeh prayers and the temple ‘aarti’ were taking place simultaneously.

Shabreen, a local resident, told PTI Videos that Taraweeh prayers were underway at the mosque at the same time as the ‘aarti’, which led to tensions. She claimed members of the Muslim community had requested that the ‘aarti’ be avoided during the prayer, but the situation escalated.

On Friday afternoon, Hindu activists staged a protest outside the Sihora police station, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and submitting a memorandum demanding demolition of houses belonging to those allegedly involved in the violence.

Bajrang Dal district coordinator Kanha Pandey said such an incident had occurred for the first time in Sihora’s history and alleged that the “real masterminds” were different. Local councillor Arshad Khan termed the clash deplorable and said innocent persons should be released while those responsible for the violence must be punished.

Police said strict action will be taken against those found guilty and that efforts are being made to restore communal harmony through dialogue with senior members of both communities.