Tensions flared in Navi Mumbai’s Taloja Sector 9 as residents of Panchanand Society witnessed heated conflicts over Diwali light decorations. The incident, which has sparked public outcry, involved confrontations between Hindu and Muslim community members regarding the installation of lighting for the Diwali festival, a significant Hindu celebration symbolizing the return of Lord Ram after 14 years of exile.
A video that went viral on social media depicts Muslim men from the community confronting Hindu women, allegedly threatening and verbally abusing them to prevent the decoration of public areas with Diwali lights. One man can be heard asserting, “Lights won’t be put up in the society. I will see to it that no lights are installed here.” The tension escalated as other community members gathered in opposition to the festival lighting, with further verbal threats directed at the woman recording the confrontation.
BIG: Radical Islamists are threatening Hindu families in Maharashtra not to put lights in Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
They didn’t stop & even issued R*pe threats, which are audible in the video as well.
📍Taloja Phase 1, Panchanand Society, Sector 9, Navi Mumbai
CC… pic.twitter.com/LQYnrGL7t3
— Ashwini Shrivastava (@AshwiniSahaya) October 29, 2024
This latest dispute over Diwali lighting traces back to an earlier incident in June 2024, when Hindu residents had protested the bringing and public slaughtering of goats by Muslim residents during Bakrid. The controversy surrounding Bakrid in Panchanand Society created friction between the communities, with Hindu families expressing discomfort about the public slaughter within shared society premises. This Diwali, Muslim members in turn protested against festive decorations, claiming that the lighting mirrored the same public observance as the Bakrid slaughtering.
The viral video has stirred debates on social media and prompted calls from Navi Mumbai residents for increased community harmony and mutual respect for diverse religious practices. Authorities are currently monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation and ensure that festive activities can proceed peacefully.
