A fake announcement by Imam Fajru Miyan from a mosque in Nalhar triggered the anti-Hindu Nuh violence. Media reports say the police are on the lookout for Miyan who is said to be absconding since August 1.

Imam Fajru Miyan made a fake announcement

According to a report published in Tribune India, communal violence swept through the Muslim-majority region of Nuh in Haryana during the Jalabhishek Yatra, allegedly triggered by a false statement made by Miyan from Nalhar’s mosque. This revelation came to light during an inquiry by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

On 31 July, the imam in question, Fajru Miyan, who is currently on the run, reportedly incited residents by broadcasting over the mosque’s loudspeakers that participants of the Jalabhishek Yatra had looted specific Muslim-owned shops.

Based on the findings of the investigation, at around 1 pm during a namaz (Islamic prayer) session, Miyan claimed that Hindus were involved in looting shops owned by Muslims near the Nalhar temple. This announcement created widespread anxiety in the area and served as a catalyst for further escalation of communal tensions.

Following the dissemination of these false claims, groups of Muslims reportedly gathered and engaged in acts of vandalism, looting, and arson. A member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) mentioned that the announcement fueled anger among villagers, especially among men who were already agitated due to circulating social media videos. These groups then organized themselves, armed with stones, and launched an attack on the pilgrimage group. The SIT is currently conducting search operations to locate Miyan.

Reports suggest that subsequent to the announcement made on mosque loudspeakers, multiple imams spread the same message through WhatsApp groups and other mosques. Law enforcement is actively conducting raids to apprehend additional individuals who are implicated, based on information provided by those already in custody.

Nuh Superintendent of Police Narender Bijarniya said, “Many people have confirmed that they had heard the announcement made on the loudspeakers which led to panic. The imam’s act purportedly incited Muslims in the neighbourhood. He had said that Hindus participating in the Jalabhishek yatra looted Muslim-owned shops”. SP Bijarniya said that they are conducting a thorough investigation and will take strict action against those found involved in spreading fake news and rumours.

Nuh violence was pre-planned

However, Miyan’s announcement merely added fuel to the attack that had been in the pipeline ever since Congress MLA Mamman Khan’s provocative speech. The Mewat Riots chronology began on 27 July when IAMC, known to have connections with terror organizations SIMI and Pak Jamat e Islami, targeted Monu Manesar in a provocative post written in Hindi. IAMC’s tweet hinted at potential unrest just days before the riots.

Several influencers in Mewat began mobilizing against Manesar, but the real target was the Hindus. The night before the Yatra, preparations were ominously made with the local slang “Pyaaj footegi”, meaning “heads will be smashed”. Notably, this phrase was first used by Cong MLA Mamman Khan in an assembly speech. What followed were hundreds of mobilization posts that amplified Mamman Khan’s messages. This digital Islamist echo chamber was key in escalating tensions.

As the Yatra began the next day, early morning tracking kicked off. Videos circulated via WhatsApp & Facebook, increasing reach. Voices in the background of these videos asked for immediate sharing in WhatsApp groups, indicating coordinated efforts. Pilgrimage buses were stealthily pursued, videos were recorded, and real-time movement information was shared, heightening the surveillance pressure. The number of buses and their movements were meticulously tracked and reported. Info on Police movement was also shared in real-time, furthering the orchestration. A key person in relaying this movement information was Arbaaz Khan from Nuh.

When the Yatra reached Nuh, it was attacked. Despite knowing that Monu Manesar was not present, the aim was tragically and horrifyingly clear – to target the Hindus present. Roads were blocked and every Hindu individual, particularly women and children, was targeted by the Muslim crowd. The turmoil soon spilt over into nearby towns, including Gurugram, showing how quickly violence of Islamists and hatred against Hindus escalated and spread beyond its point of origin.

In summary, the issue began with IAMC’s dog whistle on 27 July, amplified by Islamists. Monu Manesar’s video came next, followed by mass mobilisation. Fake news then surfaced about Monu Manesar. Hindus were tracked, targeted & attacked, & Post-riot, all evidence was deleted.