A week after violence erupted in Ranchi over remarks on Prophet Mohammad b BJP leader Nupur Sharma, no untoward incident took place today. No protests were reported from any part of the state with Friday prayers passing off peacefully. With the help of religious leaders and police administration the prayers were held in a peaceful manner.
Religious organization Anjuman Islamia had appealed to the people to observe peaceful prayers, urging the Namazi to perform prayers at their local mosque and not on streets. The Muslim clerics had also appealed the people not to follow rumors especially n social media platforms.
Due to state police action and Muslim organization effort, Main Road between Iqra mosque and Hanuman Temple, which saw unrest after the Jumma Namaz last Friday, appeared calm and peaceful today.
Security will be tightened around various areas in Ranchi on Friday to prevent repeat of violence and protest of Friday’s prayers as witnessed on June 10. Sources said that Ranchi police had Intelligence inputs that some anti-social elements are once again planning to create disturbances in Capital and in this connection they have also planned to take out a procession in Muslim dominated areas.
There were speculations that the stretch would be disrupted again today in protest over the killing of two Muslim youths during a police firing last Friday. The district administration had made extraordinary preparations to deal with the situation.
On the road, no one spotted anyone offering Namaz. Muslims returned home calmly after prayers. The majority of establishments were closed because the bulk of the shops in the area are owned by Muslims who close on Friday.
According to a district control room official, up to 5000 police officers equipped with riot control vehicles were deployed throughout the city.
The Ranchi police as part of preventive measures had tightened security in the area. Several lanes and by-lanes were barricaded. Drop gates were erected at the entrance of several lanes and by-lanes of Hindpiri area which connects to Main Road. Also several localities of Hindpiri and Doranda areas which are sensitive were sealed.
To prevent any untoward incident like June 10, large numbers of police personnel were deployed in the Hindpiri, Doranda, Karbala Chowk and other areas. Temporary check posts have been created at several places on Main road. Security personnel were deployed at religious places such as temples and mosques. The Ranchi police will also monitor the situation through drone cameras.
The Ranchi DC, SSP, SP and other senior officers were assessing the situation. Messages of keeping social harmony were spread through loudspeakers. The Ranchi police also kept an eye on social media platforms.