Lucknow: Mayawati has expressed serious concern over the violent clash that erupted between two groups in Saharanpur’s Lalwala village, urging the police and district administration to take immediate and impartial action to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation.
The Bahujan Samaj Party chief reacted strongly after reports of injuries, including several members of the Dalit community, emerged from the tense confrontation linked to a dispute over land and the placement of a photograph or statue on the property.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Mayawati said the incident had created a tense atmosphere in the village and stressed that the authorities must act fairly to maintain peace and law and order. She also appealed to people from both communities to resolve the issue through legal and constitutional means rather than confrontation or violence.
The violence reportedly took place in Lalwala village in the Deoband region, where a disagreement over land ownership escalated into stone-pelting and physical clashes between members of two communities. Several individuals sustained injuries during the confrontation, prompting police intervention.
As the situation deteriorated, police personnel allegedly resorted to a baton charge to disperse the crowd and bring the unrest under control. Heavy police deployment has since been maintained in the village due to the sensitivity of the matter and fears of renewed tension.
According to local accounts, one group alleged that members of the opposing side were attempting to occupy disputed land and install a statue or image of a revered social figure belonging to their community. The other side, however, claimed that the land in question was legally purchased property and denied allegations of encroachment.
The incident also drew the attention of several political and social organisations. Workers and leaders associated with the Bhim Army, Azad Samaj Party and Bahujan Samaj Party reportedly reached the village following news of the clash, further intensifying the already charged atmosphere.
Meanwhile, police reportedly stopped Chandrashekhar Azad, the national president of the Azad Samaj Party, from proceeding toward the village amid security concerns.
Senior police officials said the dispute primarily revolves around land ownership and confirmed that an investigation is underway. Authorities stated that legal action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
The clash has once again highlighted the fragile nature of local disputes in sensitive regions, with political leaders across the spectrum calling for restraint, dialogue and strict enforcement of law to ensure communal harmony.
