Under Delhi Police eye, Jahangirpuri observes Hanuman Jayanti
Meanwhile, BJP leader Kapil Mishra, who earlier claimed he wasn’t allowed to enter the area and detained, arrived at the rally.
4 min read
Two processions were held in Jahangirpuri H and E blocks, Thursday. (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav) Amid tight security, locals and members of Hindu Vahini and Vishwa Hindu Parishad Thursday observed Hanuman Jayanti in Jahangirpuri, which saw violence last year during the event.
This is the second procession in the area in a week. On March 30, despite police denying permission for a Ram Navami procession, 1,000-odd people walked waving saffron flags and raising slogans for nearly half a kilometre. Police did not lodge a case or detain anyone.
For today’s event, police had initially denied permission but Special CP (Law and Order) Dependra Pathak later told the media that they have allowed the procession but in a regulated manner.
On Thursday, the groups held two processions. The first was held by Hindu Vahini along with 100-200 locals from 11 am-1 pm in H block, who were wearing black scarves and bands to protest against police. Advocate Arvind Mishra, Hindu Vahini head, said, “We had sought permission along with VHP leaders in February. On Wednesday, the DCP denied permission. We went to the police station and demanded a reason. I told police I have been heading the Hanuman Jayanti rally for 14 years in the area; they can’t stop me. Ultimately, they agreed and asked us to hold a small rally. We cooperated. But today, police said we can only celebrate in one spot. Is this their law and order? We will wear black in protest.”
The men tried to walk to block G but were stopped by police and CRPF personnel, armed with anti-riot gear, tear gas shells and other equipment. Shiv, a BA student from DU’s School of Open Learning, said, “I work with a theatre group in Mandi House. We prepared a skit and procession in the area. But police are bent on suppressing our freedom.”
At 2 pm, the VHP rally began in E block which was attended by at least 1,000 people. The organisers put up loudspeakers and the group marched 400 metres with a small chariot amid loud chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’.
Yash Garg, one of the locals and organisers, said, “Police asked us to maintain restrictions and limit the gathering. Why should we? Today, we will show the police we aren’t afraid… More than 2,000 people will come here and participate in the procession…”
Though police finally allowed the rally, barricades and heavy force was deployed 200 metres away. VHP leader Surendra Gupta joined the group and said, “We will conduct 100 more rallies… This rally won’t stop here. We will walk around the entire Jahangirpuri.”
After his speech, the group challenged the police and were allowed to march forward. After 400 metres, police again put up barricades and stopped the procession.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Kapil Mishra, who earlier claimed he wasn’t allowed to enter the area and detained, arrived at the rally. “I have come here finally. I am happy to see so many people around celebrating the festival. However, the rally won’t move forward now. We will do as people have directed.”
Discussions were held between VHP leaders and Special Commissioner Pathak and DCP Jitendra Meena and after almost an hour, the men decided to not move forward. Later, Pathak told the media, “We always had regulated the gathering and they walked around the stipulated area. We are working in coordination with the organisers. It was all peaceful. They will recite Hanuman Chalisa and leave…”
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