MHA seeks report from Haryana government after communal tension surfaces in Palwal

NEW DELHI: The Home Ministry has sought a report from the new BJP state government in Haryana after communal tension erupted in the Palwal district last night.

This is the first major incident of communal trouble in the state under the newly-sworn government of Chief Minister Jagdish Khattar. Indefinite curfew has been clamped in the Hathin town of Palwal district since midnight after protestors set ablaze the official vehicle of the Palwal's district commissioner as well as a motorcycle showroom and medical store in Hathin.

As per a preliminary report with the Home Ministry, trouble started on November 11 evening when a group of Muslims offered Namaz in a Mosque (which is said to be a disputed structure) which was objected to by the Hindu community. "Activists of Ram Sena Sangathan set ablaze some kiosks, cow dung and wooden heaps belonging to the Muslims," a preliminary intelligence report with the Centre says.

It has been added that later in the night, "unidentified miscreants" set ablaze two vehicles, including those belonging to the Deputy Commissioner of Palwal and a medical store and a motorcycle showroom. "As a precautionary measure, the district administration had imposed an indefinite curfew in the town since midnight," the report says.

The Home Ministry has noted the incident with concern and is seeking a detailed report from the Haryana Government, ministry officials told ET.