Haryana Farmers, Khaps Appeal For Peace In Nuh, Demand Arrest of Monu Manesar

In the aftermath of communal clashes in Nuh, Haryana, various farmer unions and Khap panchayats have united to advocate for peace and demand the arrest of cow vigilante Monu Manesar.

The clashes, which erupted on July 31 in Nuh, where the majority population is Muslim, resulted in six fatalities when a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) procession was attacked. Among the deceased were two home guards and a cleric.

Monu Manesar, a Bajrang Dal leader, is sought for his alleged involvement in the killing of two Muslim men earlier this year. Reports that Manesar might attend the religious procession in Nuh purportedly triggered the communal violence, extending to Gurugram and beyond.

The ongoing situation has seen the registration of 113 FIRs and the arrest of 305 individuals linked to the clashes. Currently, 106 detainees are under police interrogation.

A significant convergence of Khaps, farmer unions, and religious leaders from Haryana convened for a 'Mahapanchayat' in Hisar on Wednesday. The assembly, organized by the Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor Union, featured representatives from Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities. The gathering resolved that adherents of all faiths will collectively endeavor to reinstate tranquility.

Notably, certain letters purportedly penned by panchayat heads in Mahendergarh, Rewari, and Jhajjar districts have surfaced online, indicating that Muslim traders have been prohibited from conducting business within their villages.

The response from farmer unions towards the Haryana government's management of the Nuh communal strife has been critical, while Khap reactions have been mixed. While some Khaps have supported the boycott of Muslim traders, others have condemned the violence and demanded Manesar's arrest. Particularly, Khaps connected to the Jat community are voicing demands for Manesar's apprehension and fostering communal unity.

Reportedly, Manesar released a video on social media claiming his intention to participate in the Nuh religious procession, urging his supporters to join in large numbers. However, he later received warnings via social media advising him to stay away.

Manesar has asserted that he refrained from attending the event at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's counsel, as they feared his presence could escalate tensions.

Haryana's state police chief, P K Agrawal, announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe Manesar's role in the clashes.

The 30-year-old is wanted by authorities for the abduction and murder of two Muslim men, Junaid and Nasir, who were discovered dead in a burned car in Bhiwani in February. Their families in Rajasthan's Bharatpur alleged that they were beaten and killed by Bajrang Dal members, a claim denied by the group.

After a two-week closure due to the communal unrest, schools and transportation services in Nuh are slated to reopen. Authorities have also advised Muslim clerics to observe Friday prayers at their residences.

"In light of the improving situation in the area, all educational institutions will reopen from August 11. Likewise, Haryana State Transport bus services will fully resume from the same date. Curfew will be relaxed on Friday. ATMs within Nuh's municipal corporation area, Tawdu, Punhana, Ferozepur Jhirka, and Pingawa and Nagina blocks will remain accessible during this period," as stated by the Nuh administration.