ISLAMABAD: Security remained on high alert in Sihora town in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district amid communal tensions, two days after clashes between Muslim and Hindu communities, followed by 49 “all-Muslim” arrests, rocked the area, Indian media reported on Sunday.
The police used barricades, foot patrols, and drone surveillance near Azad Chowk in Sihora where a Hindu temple and a mosque face each other.
Alongside the official “law-and-order” updates, fresh social media footage has fuelled claims that Muslims are being targeted and threatened.
A video shared on X shows a Hindutva mob using abusive language and hurling rape threats against Muslim women in the area.
Similar clips and descriptions were also circulated by rights-tracking channels that document anti-Muslim incidents, alleging attacks on Muslim homes and intimidation of residents in Sihora.
The backstory to the Jabalpur flare-up dates to Thursday night, Feb. 20, 2026. Indian media reported that violence broke out after a temple grill was allegedly broken, leading to stone-pelting and street clashes.
Another Indian media outlet, quoting residents of the area, reported the dispute intensified when an evening Hindu ritual at the temple and prayers at the nearby mosque were taking place at the same time, prompting objections and formation of a Hindutva mob.
By Friday, Feb. 21, police had stepped up deployments and used baton-charge and tear gas to disperse crowds, while protests were reported outside the police station by right-wing groups demanding strict action.
India media reported that around 500 police personnel were deployed as authorities sought to prevent a repeat flare-up.
The discrimination allegation is now focused on arrests and access to worship.
Another India media publication, citing remarks attributed to the regional IG reported that 49 people, “all Muslims”, were arrested in the main case linked to alleged temple damage and sent to judicial custody.
.jpg)
