Ehtasham Khan
In his monthly press meet last week, Home Minister Shushil Kumar Shinde categorically said that communal violence was bound to increase across the country in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. There cannot be more candid confession from the person who is incharge of country’s internal security. Two days later, Shinde’s words where obediently followed by worsening of communal violence in Muzaffernagar in UP, hardly 130 kms from New Delhi.
UP has been worst hit by series of communal violence ever since Akhilesh Yadav govt came to power. There has been one communal riot every month on an average. Needless to say Muslims are worst hit in every such incident – both economically and in terms of losing life.
Political observers believe polarisation of Hindu and Muslim votes is good for every political party. Uttar Pradesh being hotbed of communal politics will take a lead on this. BJP already played its part by organising VHP’s 84 Kosi Yatra. After the Yatra’s failure, it is alleged that some BJP leaders are circulating fake video which inflates communal tension.
Even Congress party – the ultimate “saviour” of Muslims — is aiming at polarisation so that it can count on a solid vote base of minorities given the series of corruption charges on the government and worsening economic scenario.
Please have a look at the comments of some important players which came early on Sunday after the killings in Muzaffernagar.
Kaushalraj Sharma, DM of Muzaffernagar, said – “Rajesh Verma (journalist who died in firing during the clash) was killed by one particular community. There was no member of any other community there.” I have never heard such irresponsible statement from an officer.
Ram Asrey Kushwaha of Samajwadi Party said in Kanpur – “Jats were going through a baggi in a village. Muslims stopped them and objected. Violence started from there.” This comes from a senior party leader even when the situation is tense. The statement is a clear indication that Muslims were responsible for the violence. Even if it is true, no political leaders is expected to make such a statement on record.
Siddhartha Nath Singh of BJP said in Allahabad – “SP is playing politics of polarisation.”
Amidst this hullaballoo, what do we do in the situation which is becoming more and more chaotic.
The responsibility of law and order rests on the State government. It should be noted that contrary to the current Samajwadi party govt, there was not even a single communal disturbance in UP during the erstwhile Mayawati regime.
It is established fact there cannot be a communal violence without State support.
Therefore, may I request all Muslim leadership – from Muslim Personal law Board, Women Personal Law Board to Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind – to form a group along with secular civil society members and assert for the safety and security of all.
It should be made clear that the State govt should be held responsible if there is any communal riot anywhere. The local thana incharge (SHO) and Superintendent of Police (SP) should be made accountable if there is any violence in their respective jurisdiction.
If Mayawati can control riots even when the controversial judgment on Babri Masjid was pronounced then why is this Akhilesh govt so meek? Or is there any tacit State support to the violence?
The message should go loud and clear, if SP wants Muslim votes in 2014 then stop playing this dirty politics or face consequences.
As per intelligence report, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir are next in line.
