‘Don’t Believe In Rumours’: Fadnavis, Police Appeal For Peace As Clashes Break Out In Nagpur
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday night called for peace and asked people not to believe rumours as Nagpur witnessed violence.
According to a report by news agency PTI, several areas in central Nagpur were gripped by violence on Monday evening amid rumours that a holy book was burnt during a protest on the Aurangzeb issue.
“Nagpur is a peaceful city where people share in each other’s joys and sorrows, which has always been Nagpur’s tradition. Do not believe any rumours,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis said. “Police are managing the situation following stone pelting and tense situations in the Mahal area,” he further added.
“A few people pelted stones, even at the police. This is wrong,” he said. Four people were injured after protesters clashed with the police. Police responded by firing tear gas shells and cane-charging.
He urged citizens to cooperate with the administration. Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, also said he is in constant contact with the police and asked them to cooperate with the people.
“If someone riots or pelts stones at Police or creates tensions in society, strict action should be taken against all such people. I appeal to everyone to behave to ensure that the peace of Nagpur is not disturbed. If someone attempts to create tension, very strict action will be taken against them,” the Maharashtra Chief Minister warned.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari, too, appealed for peace and harmony amid violence in parts of Nagpur city. “Nagpur always has a history of peace. I appeal to all my brothers to maintain peace. Do not believe rumours and do not come on roads,” the Union minister said in a video message.
Gadkari appealed to people to cooperate with the administration in maintaining law and order and the tradition of harmony. He said the government would take action against those who indulged in unlawful activities.
Nagpur City Police in a social media post also urged citizens to not believe in rumours. “Do not believe in any kind of rumours and cooperate with the police,” the police said in a social media post.
“First priority is to restore peace in society and keep it away from rumours. An investigation will later reveal why the unrest occurred. But the people of Nagpur should not believe rumours and support police administration,” state BJP chief and Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said.
“I have received information that some people from outside tried to create tensions between people from two different communities. Vehicles were torched, stones were pelted…People from a particular community came from outside and they did all the violence by proper planning,” BJP MLA Pravin Datke said.
Congress’ Vijay Waddetiwar without naming anyone accused a minister for making several controversial statements over the past few months. “Had he been asked to keep quiet, this would not have happened,” he said.