Clashes Rock Himachal’s Paonta Sahib After Interfaith Couple Elopes; Ban On Gatherings In 4 Villages
Authorities in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district have enforced prohibitory orders in four villages of the Paonta Sahib area following violent clashes linked to the elopement of an interfaith couple. The administration acted after tensions flared between two groups, with at least 10 people, including police personnel, injured in stone pelting on Friday.
District Magistrate Priyanka Verma on Saturday imposed restrictions in Kiratpur, Malion, Fatehpur and Missarwala villages under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), news agency PTI reported. The order, which will remain in effect until June 19, bans gatherings of more than five people, the carrying of weapons or inflammable materials, stone pelting, and inflammatory or anti-state speeches.
The decision came after a report from Sirmaur’s Superintendent of Police Nishchint Singh Negi highlighted rising tensions in the Kiratpur region due to the presence of agitated groups. The DM’s order cited concerns that the situation could escalate into communal violence, jeopardising public peace.
Protests Sparked As Groups Allege ‘Love Jihad’
The unrest follows the alleged elopement of an 18-year-old Hindu woman and a 19-year-old Muslim man on June 4. The woman’s family lodged a police complaint, accusing the man of persuading her to run away. Since then, local Hindu groups have been staging protests in Paonta Sahib, claiming it to be a case of ‘love jihad’—a term often used by right-wing groups to allege a conspiracy by Muslim men to convert Hindu women through marriage, as per PTI.
On Friday, members of these outfits blocked the Nahan-Paonta Highway for nearly an hour near Majra, around 25 kilometres from Nahan, demanding swift action. Tensions intensified when a group of protesters reportedly began marching towards the Muslim man’s residence, triggering stone pelting from the other side. Police intervened and used force to disperse both groups.
According to PTI, sources informed that more than ten individuals, including women and police personnel, sustained injuries during the clash.
BJP Demands Action, Villagers Hold Dharna
Criticising the administration, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Rajiv Bindal said, “The protest would intensify till the woman is found and action is taken against those who pelted stones at the members of the Hindu organisations.”
On Saturday morning, villagers also staged a dharna in front of the local police station, alleging police inaction and demanding the woman be located immediately. Protesters accused law enforcement authorities of being lenient and failing to trace her whereabouts.
The situation remains tense as law and order authorities continue to monitor developments closely to prevent further escalation.
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