Heavy security deployed in Hisar as Hindu groups plan Hanuman Chalisa recitation opposite church on Christmas

Haryana Police (Representative image)

Security was tightened in Haryana’s Hisar after Hindu right-wing organisations Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced a large-scale recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa at a public park located opposite a church on Christmas Day. The event was organised to mark Maharaja Surajmal Balidan Diwas.

The programme was scheduled to take place at Krantiman Park, situated across the 160-year-old St Thomas Church, where preparations for Christmas celebrations had been underway for the past two days.

Following the announcement, the district administration deployed three companies of police personnel, citing concerns over law and order.

According to the Surajmal Memorial Education Society, Maharaja Surajmal, the ruler of the erstwhile Bharatpur kingdom, dedicated his life to national integration and fought social injustice, racial discrimination and superstition before sacrificing his life on December 25, 1763.

Police officials said extensive security arrangements have been made to ensure peace during events organised by both communities.

"In view of security concerns, police forces have been deployed, and the administration is striving to ensure that the events of both religious communities are conducted peacefully. The police are fully vigilant to prevent any kind of law and order situation. The matter regarding permission for the programs of the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad is under the consideration of the district administration," DSP Sumit said.

Authorities barricaded the entire area around the park and deployed water cannons as a precautionary measure.

"The administration has issued notices to four leaders associated with Hindu organisations as a precautionary measure. The notices state that the organisers will be held responsible if peace is disturbed. The notices also specify that the administration must be informed about the expected crowd size and the plans for crowd control," the cop added.

Despite this, flags and banners were reportedly installed at Krantiman Park late on Tuesday evening, and a ritual fire ceremony (yagna) was initiated, NDTV has learnt.

The Bajrang Dal has said the programme was organised in response to public demand.

"This program was organised today on the occasion of a government holiday and Maharaja Surajmal's martyrdom day. He said that according to the Indian calendar, there is a festival almost every day, and this event was organised in response to public demand," Professor Deepak Kumar, VHP member, said.

Addressing concerns about the venue, Kumar said the park was chosen for logistical reasons. He maintained that the decision was not intended to provoke controversy and added that the police were cooperating to manage traffic.