Authorities in Nagpur, India, have imposed an indefinite curfew in multiple areas following violent clashes triggered by demands to remove the tomb of 17th-century Mughal ruler Aurangzeb from Maharashtra. The unrest, which began on Monday, led to extensive property damage and injuries to both civilians and law enforcement officers. At least 15 police personnel were wounded, with one in critical condition. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered strict action to restore order, urging residents to ignore rumors that have fueled tensions.
The violence erupted when members of the Hindu nationalist group Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in Nagpur’s Mahal area, setting fire to an effigy of Aurangzeb and a symbolic green cloth representing his tomb. The situation worsened after counter-protests by Muslim groups turned violent, with masked individuals attacking police with stones, sharp weapons, and glass bottles. Police resorted to baton charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd, while emergency restrictions were enacted in 11 police station jurisdictions, prohibiting public gatherings and movement except for medical emergencies.
Political Reactions and Security Measures
The state government and local authorities have responded with heightened security measures to prevent further escalation. Union Minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari urged calm, reassuring the public that authorities would take action against those responsible for the violence. “I request everyone not to pay attention to rumors. The government will deal strictly with those involved in illegal activities,” he said.
Chief Minister Fadnavis, a vocal Hindu nationalist, expressed sympathy for calls to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb but insisted on maintaining law and order. “It is unfortunate that we must protect Aurangzeb’s grave despite his history of persecution,” he stated. However, opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), condemned the government’s handling of the situation. Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the administration, stating, “Law and order in Maharashtra have collapsed like never before.” Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the ruling regime of deliberately stoking historical divisions to create unrest.
In response to the escalating violence, the Nagpur police commissioner invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, allowing immediate restrictions in troubled areas. So far, 50 individuals have been detained, and heavy police deployment remains in place to prevent further incidents.
Tensions Over Aurangzeb’s Legacy and Religious Flashpoints
The demand to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb stems from long-standing grievances among Hindu nationalist groups, who argue that Mughal structures were built over Hindu temples. The VHP and Bajrang Dal, both affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), claim that replacing Aurangzeb’s tomb with a memorial for local Maratha rulers would be a symbolic act of historical justice. “We do not support violence, but Aurangzeb’s legacy should not be honored in Maharashtra,” VHP General Secretary Milind Parande said in a video message.
Such tensions are not new in India, where Hindu nationalist groups have frequently targeted Mughal-era monuments and Muslim places of worship. In recent years, right-wing groups have campaigned to reclaim sites like the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura, claiming they were built over demolished Hindu temples. Critics argue that these efforts align with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) broader agenda of religious polarization.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has consistently denied accusations of discrimination against Muslims, but critics point to a pattern of inaction against Hindu extremist groups involved in religious violence. The Nagpur clashes highlight the growing influence of such factions in shaping political and social discourse, particularly in states governed by the BJP.
The Road Ahead: Calls for Peace Amid Rising Communal Strife
Despite the current curfew, fears persist that tensions could flare up again. The Maharashtra police continue to monitor the situation, with senior officials warning that any further attempts to incite violence will be met with strict legal action. Opposition leaders have urged for dialogue and reconciliation, with NCP MP Supriya Sule emphasizing Maharashtra’s “progressive identity” and calling for communal harmony.
Meanwhile, Nagpur residents are grappling with the immediate fallout of the violence. Several businesses remain closed, public transport has been disrupted, and a sense of unease looms over the city. “We just want peace. Both communities have coexisted for years, and this kind of violence benefits no one,” said a local shopkeeper.
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As authorities work to stabilize the situation, the events in Nagpur serve as a stark reminder of how historical grievances continue to shape contemporary politics in India. Whether the violence will subside or further deepen communal divides remains to be seen.