Internet Services Suspended in Jamui Over Communal Tension

Jamui/ Patna: Tensions have escalated in Jamui, Bihar, following a stone-pelting incident on Sunday evening in Baliyadih village, Jhajha block. The attack targeted devotees returning from a Hanuman Chalisa recitation event at a temple, leaving more than half a dozen people injured and damaging multiple vehicles.

In response, police conducted a flag march and arrested eight individuals. As a precautionary measure, internet services were suspended on Monday for two days, and additional police forces have been deployed in the area.

FIRs Filed Against Both Sides

Authorities have registered two separate FIRs, naming 41 accused individuals and an additional 50 to 60 unidentified persons. One group has been charged with organizing a procession without permission, while the other faces allegations of attacking devotees and disrupting public order.

On Tuesday, the Chamber of Commerce called for a market shutdown in Jamui, which saw mixed compliance.

Eyewitness Accounts

Among those injured was Nitish Kumar, a member of the Hindu Swabhiman Sangh and vice-president of the municipal council. Student leader Harinandan Prajapati, who was present at the event, described the attack, stating that as the devotees were returning, a group of men and women suddenly began pelting stones at their vehicles.