A meeting, assurance of no weapons, video that raised tempers: What happened ahead of Nuh yatra

Among the videos was one by self-proclaimed cow vigilante Mohit Yadav, better known as Monu Manesar, saying he would participate in the yatra. “I will be in the yatra in person and my whole team will also be present,” said Monu, who is an accused in the murders of Junaid and Nasir in Bhiwani, in a video posted as his WhatsApp status on July 29.

A meeting between Nuh police and district officials, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind representatives, and area residents had taken place on July 27. Said Deputy Commissioner Prashant Panwar, “When we gave permission, we had asked them to strictly avoid any weapons during the yatra.”

“The yatra has been held for three years now… we flagged that use of weapons was what we stood against,” said Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind member Maulana Yahiya Kareemi.

When Monu’s video was posted, the mood in the area changed. “Monu is accused of killing Junaid and Nasir. He says he is coming to Mewat as if it means nothing,” said Mufti Salim Sakras, another Jamiat member, adding that it angered residents.

Bajrang Dal members, however, defended Monu. “Monu just posted a video, why does it anger people? The yatra is not about VHP or Bajrang Dal, it’s about the Hindu community,” said Amit Hindu, a Gurgaon Bajrang Dal member.

Monu, however, did not show up. He told The Indian Express that leaders from VHP and Bajrang Dal had asked him to skip the yatra.

With 17 FIRs registered and over 100 detained, Nuh Police are conducting an expansive probe. “Locals also had guns, sticks and swords. We are reviewing gun licences in the region and action will be taken accordingly,” said Narender Bijarnia, SP Bhiwani.

An officer in the administration had said no one had raised a red flag regarding the video and the messages from both communities that followed.