Tensions soar: Mosques shuttered after deadly Hindu-Muslim clashes near India's capital

In the aftermath of Hindu-Muslim riots near India's capital, a significant number of mosques remained closed for Friday prayers in Gurugram, a key business center situated on the outskirts of New Delhi. The violent clashes resulted in six fatalities and escalated tensions in the region. The unrest was triggered when a Hindu religious procession was attacked in the predominantly Muslim district of Nuh, which was followed by a retaliatory armed mob assaulting a mosque in Gurugram, leading to the tragic death of a cleric and the vandalization of several shops and restaurants by chanting Hindu groups.

Despite the absence of an official directive to close the mosques, five major Muslim places of worship in Gurugram were found shuttered, with police implementing heavy barricades, as reported by the AFP. Authorities clarified that local Muslim leaders had urged their followers to avoid congregating at mosques as a precautionary measure amid the prevailing unrest. Gurugram, inhabited by around 500,000 Muslims, has been grappling with an ongoing dispute concerning the construction of new mosques, with municipal authorities halting new projects following protests from local residents. As an alternative, Muslims have been conducting prayer services in open areas, which has resulted in further tensions with Hindu hardline factions.

The recent outbreak of violence in Gurugram sheds light on the deep-rooted religious and communal divisions within India, with critics accusing the ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party of marginalizing the Muslim community since coming to power in 2014. Past incidents of religious turmoil, such as the 2020 riots in New Delhi and the 2002 violence in Gujarat, have left a profound impact, with the Muslim population bearing the brunt of the casualties. In response to the current situation, a substantial deployment of police forces has been employed to ensure security in the area, while authorities face the challenging task of fostering communal harmony and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.