Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], March 18 : Violence in Maharashtra's Nagpur has sparked a political uproar, with the Opposition leaders accusing the government of failing to maintain law and order in the city. The matter has now escalated to Parliament.
A curfew was imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb's grave.
According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.
AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi said that the violence in Nagpur was a result of intelligence failure.
"I condemn the violence, but one should look at the bigger picture, including the statements given by ministers. They should follow the rule of law, as they have taken an oath on India's Constitution. How can you make provocative statements? This is really wrong; it is the responsibility and fault of the government, an intelligence failure. This happened near a minister's house too," he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also slammed the BJP's "double-engine" government in Maharashtra over the Nagpur violence. He said that the BJP could remove Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as the party is in power both in the Centre and the State.
"There is a double-engine government here; if the double-engine government has failed, then they should resign. If you want, you can remove his (Aurangzeb's) grave, but call Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar during that time," he added.
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi expressed deep regret over Nagpur violence, calling it unprecedented in a city known for communal harmony.
In a self-made video, Azmi, emphasising unity and progress, appealed to everyone to maintain peace and work towards the nation's development.
"I am regretful and deeply saddened that Nagpur, where everyone was living in harmony, has witnessed such a major incident this time. Several people have been injured. I just want to say, do not get provoked by anyone. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and work towards the progress of the country," the Samajwadi Party MLA said.
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane held Abu Azmi responsible for the violence in Nagpur and said that it was pre-planned violence aimed at defaming the state government.
Abu Azmi had reportedly said that Aurangzeb was not a "cruel administrator" and "built many temples." He added that the battle between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was about state administration, not about Hindu and Muslim.
While speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the violence "looks like a well-planned attack" and that certain rumours were spread, claiming that religious verses were burned as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested in the winter capital of the state.
"In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burned. It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands," Fadnavis said while addressing the Assembly.
Apprising the Assembly about the injuries sustained by police personnel, he stated that attacks on police would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against those involved in the violence. He said that three Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) officers sustained injuries, and one DCP was attacked with an axe.