Bhuj, 29 July, 2014

District magistrate of Kutch in Gujarat has ordered ban on bulk SMS and group SMS services in the district on 29 and 30 July following the incident of mob violence in Bhuj on Sunday evening. Mobile service providers are asked to obey the order. As per a notification internet, 2G, 3G, bulk SMS and group SMS are banned between midnights of 29 and 30 July. Those found violating this notification will face non-bailable action.

It should be mentioned that on Sunday, a group of Muslims pelted stones and attack ‘B’ division police station. Over two dozen vehicles including police vehicles were damaged and 8 persons were injured in this incident. Police had to fire at least five rounds in air and several tear gas shells were lobbed to control the mob violence.

Complaint has been filed against over 60 persons involved in violence. 43 of them are already arrested, 42 of which are sent on two days remand by local court.

A peace committee meeting was held at Collector office in presence of prominent persons from both communities, minister of state Tarachand Chheda, MLAs, MP, police and district administration officers.

Minister of state Tarachand Chheda gave clear message in the meeting that one who recommend release of any culprit will also face action. District police has made it clear that law is supreme for police and religion doesn’t matter when it comes to take actions against culprits.

The mob violence incident happened after one Hindu youth of Mandvi town in Kutch district allegedly posted a comment on Facebook which according to some Muslims hurt their religious sentiments. Couple of Muslim youths filed complaint against the Hindu youth in police, following which police arrested the youth. Muslim mob gathered outside the ‘B’ division police station demanded police to beat the culprit in public. Police obviously turned down this proposal following which, a mob started pelting stones and damaging vehicles.