Tension broke out in Mahidpur town of Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district on Friday after a tableau based on the theme of “Love Jihad” was included in a Lord Ganesh Sawari procession.
Members of the minority community objected to the tableau, saying effigies dressed in a skull cap, beard and burqa were offensive to their religious sentiments. Officials assured them that their concerns would be looked into and asked for a formal complaint.
The situation was under control until the procession reached near the Moti Masjid, where some youths allegedly pelted stones. “The concerned Ganesh Sawari procession was around 500 meters away when some youths, who were hiding their faces, pelted stones close to the police posse escorting the procession,” Ujjain district police superintendent Pradeep Sharma said.
Police responded with mild force and quickly brought the situation under control. To prevent further escalation, a flag march was held and additional forces were deployed in sensitive areas.
“The situation is peaceful and under total control. Those who pelted stones have been identified and a process is underway to register an FIR in the matter,” Sharma added.
