The VHP, an RSS-affiliated group, announced that they intend to hold more Tiranga Yatras in the western Uttar Pradesh region amid high tensions in the state following the Kasganj Violence. They made the announcement even though the violence-hit Kasganj town is slowly limping back to normalcy. One man was killed in the violence and the city suffered several property damages.
VHP leader and Vice President Sunil Parashar (Braj Prant) allegedly made the announcement stating that more ‘Tiranga Yatra’ will be held out in the Braj region. The region consists of over 20 districts in the Agra, Aligarh and Bareilly divisions. VHP plans to hold these events in days to come but did not specify the actual dates.
VHP’s announcement came as a backdrop to the recently concluded Kasganj violence. The clashes broke out in Kasganj town after another RSS-affiliated students’ group – Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the VHP held a ‘Tiranga Yatra.’ They got attacked by members of another community while trying to celebrate Republic Day on Friday.
Statements from Uttar Pradesh Officials
In briefings held by different officials in the state, officials averred that the district was returning to normalcy after violence rocked the region on January 26. The Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh on Tuesday attacked Uttar Pradesh (UP) state government and was concerned with the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Singh sought a detailed report from UP’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath’s government in association with the violence which erupted in the state’s Kasganj district.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Yogi Adityanath assured the state that vigorous action will be taken against the offenders in the Kasganj violence. He confirmed that there are culprits in custody and if found guilty, they will not be spared. His sentiments countered speculations that UP government is corrupt hence perpetrators may go scot free. He claimed that the government will not stand for any form of corruption or chaos in Uttar Pradesh. “Strict action will be taken against anyone who indulges in such acts,” Yogi Said.
District Magistrate R P Singh reverted that over 81 suspects were arrested in conjunction with the violence at Kasganj District. He notified reporters that as Kasganj returned to normalcy, there was an attempt by miscreants to create trouble by damaging the dome-like structure on Eidgah wall located in Amanpour. The police responded swiftly and averted efforts to damage the dome.
Inspector General of Police told reporters that their department will intensify motorcycle patrols throughout the city. He added that the Rapid Action Force and the Provincial Armed Constabulary kept a strict vigil in the region aimed at maintaining the fragile peace.
