2 killed, 15 injured after communal clash in northern Indian state

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) – At least two persons were killed and 15 others injured as people tried to stop a procession by a rightwing Hindu organization in northern Indian state of Haryana on Monday, police said.

The incident took place in the Muslim-majority Nuh district; several cars were torched and stones were thrown at the police, and the state government sought additional forces to bring the situation under control, the Press Trust of India reported.

The police used teargas and fired shots in the air to disperse the crowd.

Internet services were suspended in the area and prohibitory orders banning large gatherings issued.

"Today's incident is unfortunate, I appeal to all the people to maintain peace in the state. The guilty will not be spared at any cost, strictest action will be taken against them," Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Sources said the clash was triggered after Monu Manesar, a cow vigilante wanted in several criminal cases including the February murder of two Muslim men in the state of Rajasthan, said in a video that he would join the rally.

"Our first priority is to bring the situation under control. We are appealing to all to maintain peace. We are also trying to send forces by helicopter," said the state's interior minister, Anil Vij.

Hindu-Muslim tension in India has been on the rise in recent years, with critics often accusing the state of turning a blind eye and doing little to stop the violence.