Ayodhya Seer Stopped From Entering Nuh, Sits On Hunger Strike

Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, a prominent Hindu seer hailing from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, embarked on an indefinite "hunger strike" at the Sohna toll plaza after encountering obstruction while en route to Nuh.

Nuh was the intended destination for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)'s proposed Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, despite the Nuh district administration denying permission for the event. The previous procession organiSed by the VHP on July 31 had led to communal clashes, resulting in fatalities and unrest.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Acharya said, "We had brought the soil of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and the Jal of Saryu river to pay homage to the Bajrang Dal workers who were killed and were to return after performing Jalabhishek with the Jal of Saryu river. There was a convoy of vehicles and people with me. Upon learning that Section 144 has been imposed, I cut short the convoy."

Despite administrative obstacles, the VHP and Bajrang Dal remained steadfast in their determination to carry out the planned procession. The July 31 procession, marred by an attack in Nalhar village of Nuh, triggered communal unrest that extended to various parts of Haryana, resulting in the loss of several lives.

Acharya further articulated that law enforcement officials hindered the movement of his convoy. He stated, "The administration has halted our progress here. They neither allow us to proceed nor permit us to retreat. In response, I have initiated a fast until death. Until I am permitted to honorably conduct the Jalabhishek ritual, I shall remain stationed here. Should they (the administration) move me to another location against my will, I will continue my fast until death there as well."

He expressed concern over the unequal treatment of religious groups, questioning why only Hindus were being obstructed while others weren't. Acharya emphasized, "This day marks the final Monday of Savan. We merely seek permission for a small group to peacefully partake in the ritual and promptly return. It is a matter of a one-minute rite, yet they thwart our movement."

In anticipation of the VHP's Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, surveillance drones, over 2,000 Haryana Police personnel, and approximately 3,000 central paramilitary forces were deployed. Entry and exit points to Nuh were sealed, with even the primary road leading to the temple under lockdown. To ensure security, internet services and bulk SMSs were suspended, and prohibitory orders were enforced by the Nuh administration. Educational institutions and banks were also temporarily closed as precautionary measures.