Communal clashes break out in Jodhpur on Eid; four injured

At least four policemen were injured when clashes broke out between two communities, leading in stone pelting, in Jodhpur’s Jalori Gate area in the early hours of Tuesday.

Reports said the communal tension erupted after a dispute ensued between the two communities over the raising of flags.

The police lobbed tear gas shells to control the situation hours before Eid in the hometown of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who appealed to the people to maintain peace.

The two sides clashed with each other over installing a religious flag in connection with Eid, police said.

Internet was suspended in the area and namaz prayers were held under tight security.

“Four policemen were injured in the stone pelting. Heavy police force was deployed in the area to control the situation,” a source in the police control room told PTI.

The chief minister asked the people to uphold brotherhood and called the incident unfortunate. “While respecting the tradition of love and brotherhood of Jodhpur, Marwar, I make a touching appeal to all the parties to maintain peace and cooperate in restoring law and order,” he said in a tweet. Gehlot said he has instructed the administration to maintain peace and order.

(With inputs from agencies)