Even though the authorities have refused to allow the parade, there is tight security in place in Nuh, Haryana, the location of the recent outbreak of intercommunal violence.
The Brij Mandal Shobha Yatra will resume in Nuh on August 28, which is the last Monday of the sacred month of Shravan, according to a call issued by the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat on August 13.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has stated that the procession will be dispersed and argued that such religious gatherings do not require authorization. The yatra, however, was not given official approval by the authorities.
The call for the shobha yatra came after six persons lost their lives in riots that broke out after a crowd stormed the VHP's procession on July 31. For a few days, the violence moved to Gurugram, a nearby city. Six individuals died overall as a result of the fighting.
Here is a concise summary of the security measures put in place for the Shobha Yatra:
30 paramilitary companies and teams of police officers have been sent out to maintain a close vigil, and security has also been stepped up at district and interstate borders. Given that the VHP has called for the yatra, CCTV cameras have been deployed.
Police have erected many layers of roadblocks at numerous locations, and security agents have closely inspected any vehicles entering Nuh. The identity cards of those who reside in Nuh are also being checked by the police. Due to prohibitory orders, outsiders have been forbidden from visiting the district.
The Nuh district administration has already issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC (preventing the assembly of four or more people in an area) until Monday, suspended mobile Internet and bulk SMS services, and ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks as a precaution.
The VHP is adamant that the march will still take place despite the Yatra not receiving approval.
"Since we are aware that the G20 will begin, we will cut the yatra short. We won't give up on it, and tomorrow we'll finish it. I'll participate as well. Why do law and order problems occur? Why is there a government? According to VHP chairman Alok Kumar, the government's role is to uphold law and order so that people can hold their religious gatherings in safety and harmony.
Manohar Lal Khattar, the chief minister of Haryana, urged followers to make prayers at local temples on Monday rather than participate in any yatras. He said that the 'yatra' has not received permission.
