Communal tension grips Ujjain as Muslims attacked after minor dispute
New Delhi: Communal tension gripped Tarana town of Ujjain district in India’s Madhya Pradesh after a minor dispute was deliberately given a communal colour, leading to violent attacks against Muslim homes, shops and vehicles.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the situation deteriorated late last week when stone-pelting, vandalism and arson were reported from several localities of Tarana. The violence erupted after a local quarrel between two individuals, which was later exploited by Hindu extremist groups after one of the injured was identified as a functionary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
Muslim residents said rumours were deliberately spread to inflame passions, resulting in organised attacks on Muslim property. Several houses were damaged, windows and doors smashed, and two-wheelers parked outside homes vandalised. In one incident, a bus parked near the bus stand was set on fire, which locals said belonged to a Muslim resident.
“What started as a small fight was turned into a communal issue. Our homes, vehicles and shops were attacked, and people were terrified,” said a Muslim shopkeeper whose motorcycle was damaged during the violence.
Witnesses said clashes resumed intermittently, with stone-pelting reported from both sides, but alleged that Muslim localities bore the brunt of the violence. “It was clear whose property was being targeted once the crowd gathered,” a local resident said.
Meanwhile, gangs of Hindutva organisations gathered at the local police station and recited the Hanuman Chalisa, demanding action, a move Muslim residents said further heightened communal tension instead of restoring calm.
