By IANS
Gurgaon : A Gurgaon court Wednesday sent a group of arrested kanwaria pilgrims in 14-day judicial remand even as the administration worked out steps to facilitate their smooth movement along the busy National Highway No 8 – which witnessed violence a day before.
Two young kanwarias from Rajasthan were killed Tuesday morning after a speeding truck drove over them on NH-8 near Manesar.
The tragedy sparked off violence by around 500 kanwarias who set five government vehicles, including two buses, on fire, and damaged several other vehicles.
The highway was blocked for nearly six hours leading to a massive traffic jam spanning 25-km on both sides of the road.
Kanwarias are devotees of Lord Shiva and undertake the annual pilgrimage from Haridwar in Uttar Pradesh to various destinations during the Hindu holy month of Shrawan.
Police officials in Gurgaon district said that safety measures were being initiated along the highway to enable kanwarias to walk safely. They said that ropes were being placed and temporary pathways were being provided to keep them away from heavy traffic, especially of trucks and buses.
They said that barricades were being put up at certain points to slow down the traffic.
Gurgaon divisional commissioner Rajeev Sharma told IANS that the district police and administration were taking adequate steps to ensure safety of kanwarias and maintain smooth flow of traffic as well.
Describing Tuesday’s incidents as unfortunate, Sharma pointed out that a single accident led to violence by the kanwarias and damage worth millions to government property.