Chandigarh: Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, on Tuesday, acknowledged shortcomings in the administration's assessment of the situation that led to the eruption of communal violence in Nuh on July 31 during a religious procession. Chautala's remarks came amidst the state government's extension of the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in the district until August 11 due to the ongoing critical and tense conditions.

Chautala pointed out that the additional DGP (law and order) indicated that permission for a procession involving 3,200 people had been granted, and the police force was deployed accordingly. He acknowledged a lack of proper assessment by the administration, citing the absence of the Nuh SP and the inability of officials who granted permission for the procession to properly gauge the situation. This issue is now under investigation.

The JJP leader had previously highlighted the organizers' failure to provide an accurate estimate of the expected turnout for the religious procession to the district administration, a potential factor contributing to the violence that unfolded.

The communal clashes in Nuh, sparked by an attack on a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession, resulted in six deaths, including two home guards and a cleric. As a response to the situation, a total of 312 individuals have been arrested, and 142 FIRs have been registered so far, according to Home Minister Anil Vij's statement on Tuesday.

Regarding his awareness of the July 31 incident, Chautala mentioned learning about it at 1:30 pm and immediately communicating with ADGP (CID) to dispatch SP Bhiwani to Nuh. He emphasized that a deliberate and planned atmosphere had been created in the state, and strict actions would be taken against all involved, regardless of age.

Chautala stressed that the government's efficiency was evident in containing the situation within seven hours, unlike incidents in other states that persisted for weeks. He added that curfew was gradually being lifted and that measures were being taken to restore normalcy.

To prevent any disturbance of peace and public order, the government extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in Nuh district until August 11.

Meanwhile, the Gurugram police arrested three out of five individuals responsible for setting a mazar ablaze in Khandsa village. Influenced by social media posts related to the communal clashes in Nuh, the men carried out the act.

Additionally, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has moved the Supreme Court seeking directions for rehabilitating those whose homes were demolished by authorities in Nuh district. The organization emphasized that the Punjab and Haryana High Court's halt to the demolition drive did not address rehabilitation and compensation for the displaced.

In the midst of these developments, a delegation of Haryana Congress led by its president Udai Bhan was prevented from entering violence-affected villages in Nuh district due to curfew and security concerns.

On Wednesday, a delegation from the ruling BJP's Haryana unit, led by O P Dhankar, will visit Nuh to assess the situation. Additionally, the opposition Aam Aadmi Party's Haryana unit plans to visit the violence-affected areas.

Amidst these changes, the government has transferred Nuh DSP Jai Prakash to Panchkula. The search for accused individuals in connection with the violence is ongoing, with 57 FIRs registered and 170 arrests made so far.

(With inputs from PTI)