Communal tensions prevailed in Bareilly district’s Baheri tehsil on the occasion of Janmashtami. In Makri Nacada village, people from the Muslim community started pelting stones at devotees during a procession to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgV8PGP-JcE]
As per reports, the procession was delayed and started after 3 pm in the afternoon as it was Friday to avoid any confrontation with the Muslim community as they have their weekly public prayers on that day. However, the moment the procession reached the Muslim dominated area, the people from the Muslim community allegedly stopped them and told them to turn back.
It led to an argument between the two communities during which people from the Muslim community suddenly started pelting stones at the devotees. After scampering for a while, the devotees, too, fought back with stones. 10 people were injured in the process, from both communities.
The Police reached the spot after being informed and tried to quell tensions. Investigation is being carried out into the matter and those who indulged in stone-pelting will be booked and action will be taken against them. It is being said that processions on the occasion of Janmashtami have been carried for the past three years but this is the first time that it led to communal tensions.
