Mar 20 • 04:58 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

People from a Hindu organization went to shut down meat shops during Navratri, shopkeepers fought back

A dispute arose in Saharanpur, India, over a meat shop remaining open during the Navratri festival, leading to a confrontation between Hindu activists and shopkeepers.

In Saharanpur's Behat town, a conflict unfolded as members of a Hindu organization attempted to close a meat shop during the Navratri festival. The incident occurred in a predominantly Muslim area, where Hindu activists responded to reports of the open shop. When they confronted the shopkeepers, the vendors insisted on seeing a government order mandating the closure before complying. This demand sparked a heated argument, drawing a crowd to the scene.

Tensions escalated rapidly during the debate, with shopkeepers urging against making the issue a communal conflict. However, as verbal exchanges intensified, some individuals reportedly resorted to violence, attacking the activists who sought to close the shop. This led to chaos, with claims from the activists that they were assaulted before being chased away by residents of the area. Following the altercation, members of the Hindu organization gathered to blockade roads near the Shakambhari Gate in Behat, demanding action from the authorities.

Police arrived promptly to manage the situation, intervening to deescalate tensions. They worked to disperse the crowd and clear the roadblocks, emphasizing the need for calm in the area. This event highlights the ongoing tension surrounding religious practices in India, especially during significant festivals like Navratri, where communal sensitivities are frequently tested.

📡 Similar Coverage