Tension gripped a village in Uttar Pradesh after Dalit women protested a Maharana Pratap Jayanti procession, prompting police intervention and a negotiated resolution.
Tension prevailed in a village in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday after members of the Dalit community, particularly women, allegedly objected to a procession being taken out on the occasion of Maharana Pratap Jayanti and blocked it.
Police said the situation was later brought under control after extensive negotiations and a written agreement from both sides.
Superintendent of Police (City) Manush Pareek said a disagreement had arisen between two groups in Maheshpura village regarding the procession route but said reports of any clash at the site were "completely misleading".
According to police officials, Station House Officer Satish Kumar reached the spot with a heavy police force after receiving information about the dispute. However, the protesting women and villagers initially refused to relent.
Police attempted to persuade both groups at the site, but as tensions escalated, representatives of both sides were called to the police station for talks.
After prolonged discussions, an agreement was reached, following which the procession was allowed to proceed.
SP Pareek said police intervened promptly after getting information about the dispute and facilitated a written compromise between both parties "in an atmosphere of mutual coordination and harmony" around 1 pm.
The officer added that later the procession resumed around 5 pm on its scheduled route and concluded peacefully by 7 pm.