Photo courtesy: The Times of India 

MD Mesha 

NEW DELHI (TSAT) - Local authorities in the northern Rajasthan state of India arrested over 100 people after RSS affiliates groups carried out attacks on Muslim gatherings on Eid day, local media said on Wednesday.

The clashes erupted in the state after RSS extremists hoisted a saffron flag on the main mosque in Jodhpur town ahead of Eid prayer and later pelted stones at Muslims when they performed Eid prayer. 

To control the situation, the local government imposed a curfew in several areas and ban gatherings of people, News 18 reported. 

The state Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot from the main opposition party the Indian National Congress, accused the Modi’s ruling party BJP of being behind the latest clashes to defame his government. 

 “The tension that has arisen in Jodhpur since last night is very unfortunate. It has been the tradition of our Rajasthan, Marwar that people of all religions have always lived in love and brotherhood even on every festival, I would like to appeal that all people should maintain peace and end tension,” Gehlot tweeted.

He appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony and also directed the local police to take action against those behind the latest incidents.

Local police said that situation is now under control as a curfew has been imposed and deployed heavy police contingents in different areas of Jodhpur.

During the last two days, dozen people were wounded in the clashes, stone-pelting, and police tear gas shellings. 

The authorities also suspended internet and mobile service in the areas to check the spread of rumors, the local media said. 

The Chief Minister later, told news channels that it was the agenda of the BJP to defame him.

“It is their job to incite Hindu-Muslim riots. How long can you do politics in the name of polarization? This country belongs to all religions, all castes and PM Modi and central government also have to understand this, News 18 quoted him as saying.

RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) is a prominent Hindu supremacist organization that gave birth to the ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Last month, RSS/BJP workers carried out attacks against Muslims in New Delhi, Gujrat, Rajhastan, Madya Pardesh, and other areas during their new year processions.