Violent Clash Erupts Between Two Communities Over Flag Hoisting Dispute

Hazaribagh (The Uttam Hindu): Violent clashes broke out between two communities in Dumraon village of Ichak block under Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand on Wednesday. There was heavy stone pelting from both sides, in which at least 20 people were injured. The miscreants also set fire to three motorcycles. As soon as the information of the violent clash was received, police-administration officials and security forces reached the spot.

After this, the situation was brought under control. It was told that the dispute over hoisting a religious flag on the gate of the government school in Dumraon increased and people of two communities came face to face. One community had built a tower-like gate with religious symbols in the school about two years ago. A group of villagers has been continuously objecting to this. Memorandums were also submitted several times to many officers including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of the district, but the administration did not take any action. On Wednesday, when people of one community reached near this gate to hoist a religious flag while playing songs, the other side started pelting stones. After this, there was a fierce clash from both sides.

The injured were treated at the local hospital. After the police arrived, both the parties were removed from the spot, but in the meantime the situation remains tense as three motorcycles were set on fire. The BDO and police station in-charge of Ichak are present at the spot. The police administration has shown promptness and intensified the campaign to restore peace in the area. Efforts are being made to hold talks between the two parties.

People of one community say that when the administration did not stop the construction of a tower with religious symbol in the government school, then the other party also has the right to hoist its flag there.