Gujarat's Una on edge over 'hate speech' at Ram Navami

RAJKOT: The situation became tense in Una town of Gir Somnath district on Saturday following an alleged hate speech inciting people and targeting minority community made on Ram Navami.
Efforts by the police on Saturday to placate members from both the communities failed and instead saw in stone pelting at a couple of areas in the town.
The town had been on the edge since one Kajal Hindustani, who identified herself as a political and social activist, targeted members of a particular community at an event allegedly organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Thursday.
The senior police officials held talks with members of the two communities on Saturday noon.
But during the meeting, people of both the communities had a heated argument and the peace meeting had to be postponed. As the news spread, the market places and shop and other establishments in Una town closed down and the situation became more tense.
The senior police officials said that they had talks with the leaders of the two communities and had reached a settlement but before this news of settlement was conveyed to the community members, stone pelting started on Saturday evening.
Talking to TOI, the in-charge superintendent of police in Gir Somnath district Sripal Sheshma said, "The situation is under control at present. We have deployed more than 150 personnel in Una town to avoid any untoward incident in the future. I am also here myself to supervise the situation."
Sheshma also added that the police will be registering a complaint for hate speech after gathering the evidence. The police have asked the shopkeepers to open the shop on Sunday without fear.
At the same time, the police assured the minority community members to resolve their grievances and strict action against those responsible for the violence.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Una, Kalu Rathod, who was part of the meeting, said representatives from both sides heard each other out, shook hands and assured that nothing untoward will take place in the area. "I have also given assurance that nothing untoward will take place. We appeal to members of the two communities to start their businesses and open the market," the legislator said.
(With PTI inputs)