India imposes curfew over Eid al-Fitr violence between Muslims, Hindus

Indian police have imposed a curfew in Jodhpur, a city in the north-western state of Rajasthan, till 4 May following an altercation between Hindus and Muslims over Eid al-Fitr. 

The violence left at least 16 people injured, including four police officers. 

Police have arrested 97 people so far in connection with the violence and have suspended internet services to stop the spread of rumours, according to the Indian Express. 

A day before Eid in Jodhpur, Near Jalori Gate. #EidAlFitr
Via - @NikhilCh_ pic.twitter.com/5KEYXUH8jO

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 2, 2022

Eid al-Fitr is an important Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month where devotees fast each day from before dawn to sunset.

The trigger for the clashes was reportedly the raising of a flag in the Jalori Gate neighbourhood on a day when Muslims were celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Hindus were celebrating Parshuram Jayanti.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that the reason for the escalation of tensions resulted from one community hoisting an Eid flag over the statue of a freedom fighter.” Vandita Rana, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Jodhpur West, was quoted as saying by the Indian Express. 

Multiple images and videos of the violence have surfaced online showing stone pelting and the removal of flags and loudspeakers in Jodhpur on Monday. 

One Day Before Eid some Bhagwa Terr0rist put Bhagwa Flag in the Minar of "EidGaah" and trying to create Ruckus and Communal Tension in Rajasthan.
PS :- Rajasthan is a Congress Ruling Statehttps://t.co/ZFkFaJiB39 pic.twitter.com/iud1unKxGh

— شرجیل امام (@sharjeel_sahab) May 1, 2022

Anti-Muslim sentiments have surged across India in recent months, most recently around the use of loudspeakers for the daily Adhaan - the Muslim call to prayer. Multiple regional and national leaders have called on local governments to ban loudspeakers in mosques.

A few weeks ago, Indian Muslims were targeted by  right-wing Hindu groups celebrating the Ram Navami festival that marks the birth of Lord Ram, one of the chief Hindu deities.

Hindu extremists attacked Muslims and burned down a mosque while police reportedly stood by. At least 24 people, including six police officers, were injured in the violence.

Following the riots, authorities bulldozed homes and shops belonging to Muslims accused of throwing rocks at Hindus.