It has become commonplace in the country in the past few years for Muslims to attack, disrupt, and commit violence against Hindus and Hindu venues holding Hindu celebrations. 

Hence it was not a shock for anyone when news of disturbances started being reported from various states of India days ahead of the festival.

One of the first instances was reported from Palamu Jharkhand on February 15. A group of Muslims viciously attacked the Hindus while they were preparing for the upcoming Shivaratri celebrations. The main objection of the attackers was regarding a decorative gate that had been installed around 120 meters from the Jama mosque. 

Eyewitnesses recount that one night before the commotion, some Hindus constructed a temporary decorative gate for the upcoming festival at that spot. Some members of the Muslim community in the area didn’t agree with this, and raised objections. They demanded that the gate be moved elsewhere.

The local temple committee then decided to discuss the issue peacefully with the Muslims the following morning. But the Muslims refused to sit for an amicable discussion, and resorted to violence. 

They attacked one of the temple committee members, and this disruption spiraled into a clash that left dozens injured, including police personnel. Reportedly, the nearby mosque was used as a base for throwing heavy stones upon the locals. 

This is ironic, because according to local reports, the Hindus had extended generous contributions to the mosque’s construction.