NUH, July 14 — Two years after communal violence shook Nuh district, killing six and leaving lasting scars, the annual Jalabhishek Yatra is set to resume in its full form on Monday under an unprecedented security blanket.
Authorities have rolled out sweeping restrictions and heavy deployments to prevent any recurrence of unrest. Internet services were suspended from 9 p.m. on Sunday to 9 p.m. Monday, while more than 100 individuals linked to the 2023 violence have been barred from participating.
“We are all set for the yatra and it will be conducted peacefully. We have taken all security measures and anybody trying to disrupt the harmony will be dealt with seriously,” said Nuh Deputy Commissioner Vishram Meena. “We are focusing not just on security but also convenience. The traffic diversions are in place and heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the route.”
This year’s yatra marks the first full-scale event since the riots of 2023, when mobs clashed during the religious procession, torching vehicles, attacking police posts, and triggering the worst communal violence in Mewat’s history. A muted version of the yatra was held in 2024 under strict restrictions.
To prevent provocations, the district administration has banned the display or carrying of weapons, including swords and sticks. A complete prohibition on arms and ammunition is in place, and drone surveillance is being used to monitor the entire route.
Prominent cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi, a polarising figure in last year’s violence, has been denied permission to attend. “Despite repeated warnings, he continued to share volatile content online. His accounts have been suspended and he has been restricted,” a police official said.
The yatra, held annually on the first Monday of Saawan, sees thousands of devotees offering Ganga water at ancient Shiva temples, particularly the shrine at Nalhar. But in recent years, it has also attracted right-wing groups and cow vigilantes, with earlier editions marred by inflammatory slogans and armed processions.
This time, officials have banned the sale of non-vegetarian food for the day, sealed fuel in bottles, and ordered the closure of all schools in Nuh. A total of 22 police and paramilitary units have been stationed across the district, with special attention to sensitive points along the yatra route.
“Participation of all those suspected of endangering the procession’s safety has been prohibited,” said a Nuh Police spokesperson. “The route has been finalised and clear instructions issued to participants. The area is under continuous drone surveillance.”
With the memories of 2023 still raw, local authorities have said they are determined to ensure that this year’s yatra proceeds without incident—balancing religious freedom with law and order.
