Communalism
Ram Navami: Violent Clashes in many states of India
West Bengal’ Howrah and Maharashtra’s Aurangabad witnessed stone pelting, arson
Image: PTI
Ram Navami was being celebrated across West Bengal on Thursday. Reportedly, processions were held in almost all the districts. However, there was a clash between the two groups during Ram Navami in Howrah. Allegedly, there were attacks targeting a group of people and houses. Several people were injured in this incident. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced strict action against those involved in the clashes. There have been incidents of attacks and vandalism in Maharashtra too. A police car was set on fire there.
In Howrah, eyewitnesses told us that the trouble started from a procession in Shivpur and by noon there was extreme tension in the area and frequent bombings began. Meanwhile, It started raining. Amidst this, shops were vandalised in various places along with some cars. There were reports of arson, as well. A large police force and RAF (Rapid Action Force) were deployed in the area to control the situation.
Leader of Opposition in the state, Subhendu Adhikari, participated in the Ram Navami procession at Ramrajatala in Howrah. The clash took place at Shibpur, about three and a half kilometres from Ramrajatala.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said on the issue of Howrah, "Those who rioted today, no matter how many cases they file and attack, I will not listen to any excuse. Police are constantly working and they are trying their best to maintain peace and decorum. I am making it clear, I will take strict action against those responsible for today's incident, those who allowed them (people from outside) to enter.”
Secretary Surendra Varma said on behalf of the processions, "The procession was happening peacefully. Suddenly some people came from outside and attacked us. Suddenly, bombs were being hurled.”
Meanwhile, processions and rallies were also held in Kolkata. All of them had police security.
Tension in Vadodara , Gujarat during Ram Navami procession
A Stone pelting incident at Ram Navami procession in Gujarat's Vadodara sparked tension. According to the police, even though there were disturbances because of this stone pelting incident in Fatepura area, the processions passed through allotted routes. In spite of this, some cars were damaged. But right now, the situation is calm. No one was injured.
A local leader of the Bajrang Dal under the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh told reporters that even though the procession takes place on this route every year, still the police cannot provide protection to them. However, a police officer told reporters that when the procession passed by a mosque in Fatepura area, local people came out. He denied that this was a communal incident.
Maharashtra witnesses clashes during rallies
Clashes erupted over a Ram Navami procession passing through a minority-dominated area in Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, erstwhile Aurangabad. Allegedly, tension around the Ram Navami procession started from Wednesday night. Loud music was being played on the microphone next to a mosque.
Reportedly, in Kiradpura, when the procession was moving on Thursday, while playing loud music, two groups of youths started fighting. Abusive and provocative slogans were raised and then the stone pelting started. Many cars were vandalised. A police car was also set on fire. After about an hour of violence, the police fired tear gas and brought the situation under control.
Sanjay Raut, leader of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, said, "We were rightfully afraid that there would be riots. It seems like the Department of Home Affairs doesn’t exist in Maharashtra anymore.”
Related:
Violence over Ram Navami procession in Bengal's Howrah, state a particular target
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Ram Navami: Violent Clashes in many states of India
West Bengal’ Howrah and Maharashtra’s Aurangabad witnessed stone pelting, arson
Image: PTI
Ram Navami was being celebrated across West Bengal on Thursday. Reportedly, processions were held in almost all the districts. However, there was a clash between the two groups during Ram Navami in Howrah. Allegedly, there were attacks targeting a group of people and houses. Several people were injured in this incident. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced strict action against those involved in the clashes. There have been incidents of attacks and vandalism in Maharashtra too. A police car was set on fire there.
In Howrah, eyewitnesses told us that the trouble started from a procession in Shivpur and by noon there was extreme tension in the area and frequent bombings began. Meanwhile, It started raining. Amidst this, shops were vandalised in various places along with some cars. There were reports of arson, as well. A large police force and RAF (Rapid Action Force) were deployed in the area to control the situation.
Leader of Opposition in the state, Subhendu Adhikari, participated in the Ram Navami procession at Ramrajatala in Howrah. The clash took place at Shibpur, about three and a half kilometres from Ramrajatala.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said on the issue of Howrah, "Those who rioted today, no matter how many cases they file and attack, I will not listen to any excuse. Police are constantly working and they are trying their best to maintain peace and decorum. I am making it clear, I will take strict action against those responsible for today's incident, those who allowed them (people from outside) to enter.”
Secretary Surendra Varma said on behalf of the processions, "The procession was happening peacefully. Suddenly some people came from outside and attacked us. Suddenly, bombs were being hurled.”
Meanwhile, processions and rallies were also held in Kolkata. All of them had police security.
Tension in Vadodara , Gujarat during Ram Navami procession
A Stone pelting incident at Ram Navami procession in Gujarat's Vadodara sparked tension. According to the police, even though there were disturbances because of this stone pelting incident in Fatepura area, the processions passed through allotted routes. In spite of this, some cars were damaged. But right now, the situation is calm. No one was injured.
A local leader of the Bajrang Dal under the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh told reporters that even though the procession takes place on this route every year, still the police cannot provide protection to them. However, a police officer told reporters that when the procession passed by a mosque in Fatepura area, local people came out. He denied that this was a communal incident.
Maharashtra witnesses clashes during rallies
Clashes erupted over a Ram Navami procession passing through a minority-dominated area in Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, erstwhile Aurangabad. Allegedly, tension around the Ram Navami procession started from Wednesday night. Loud music was being played on the microphone next to a mosque.
Reportedly, in Kiradpura, when the procession was moving on Thursday, while playing loud music, two groups of youths started fighting. Abusive and provocative slogans were raised and then the stone pelting started. Many cars were vandalised. A police car was also set on fire. After about an hour of violence, the police fired tear gas and brought the situation under control.
Sanjay Raut, leader of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, said, "We were rightfully afraid that there would be riots. It seems like the Department of Home Affairs doesn’t exist in Maharashtra anymore.”
Related:
Violence over Ram Navami procession in Bengal's Howrah, state a particular target
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Related Articles
Theme
Campaigns
Videos
Archives
Archives
Podcasts
Exaggerated or ominous, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) claims it has plans for 1500-2000 rallies during Ram Navami in Bengal
These claims have been published in two newspaper reports, one a daily Bartaman, the other Jugoshonkho that has a partiality for the rightwing BJP; two online posters “announce” these rallies previously not a cultural presence in Bengal
Reports in two leading Bangla newspapers announce dozens of Ram Navami rallies in the electorally crucial state of Bengal, says Jugoshonkho.
Here are some available online posters announcing the rallies
_*রাম নবমী মহোৎসব উৎযাপন ২০২৩*
বিশ্ব হিন্দু পরিষদের প্রেস বা
রামরাজত্বই ভবিতব্য:- রামবিরোধী
শ্রীরামচন্দ্র সনাতন ভারতীয় সং
যারা সুশাসন চায় না, যারা ভে
এ বছর রাম নবমী উপলক্ষ্যে বিশ্ব
এই বছরটা পরিষদের ৬০ বছর। আর এক
শুধু একটা দিনের কর্মসূচি নয়, ৩
সৌরীশ মুখার্জী
প্রচার প্রসার প্রমুখ , দক্ষি
A press release from the Viswa Hindu Parishad (above) dated March 30 states:
Ram Navami Mahotsava Celebration 2023
Vishwa Hindu Parishad press release
“The future is Ram Rajya: Anti-Rama - separatists will be isolated from society. Sri Ramachandra is the epitome of traditional Indian culture. He is the past, the present and the future - He is the seer. In the Treta Yuga, he established excellent governance in the world by establishing Rama Rajtva. Hence, every year Ram Navami is celebrated with dignity. From North to South and East to West, Ram Mohotsav is celebrated in every state of India and in about five lakh villages.
Lord Sri Ramachandra is 'Purushottam'. He is above all caste - language - region. Hence, the common adage, 'Sab Ka Ram.'
Those who don't want good governance, those who indulge in divisiveness, those who consider Lord Ramchandra as a fantasy, those who refuse to take the name of Ram, will be cut off from the society, Ram is not a word, Ram is a culture....."jo Ram ka nahi woh kisi kaam ka Nahi,"
This year, on the occasion of Ram Navami, Vishwa Hindu Parishad is organizing processions, readings and various cultural programs at around 2000 places. Vishva Hindu Parishad has informed that Ram Navami will be celebrated in a healthy and peaceful manner in all places, ignoring the opposition and repression of the administration.
This year is the 60th year of the Parishad. And within a year, Ramlala will be coming to the new temple in Ayodhya. There is a lot of emotion among the common people about this. So we decided to go door to door with the word of Rama and the dream of Rama's reign.
Not just a one-day programme, the council has decided to observe 'Ram Mahotsav' from Ram Navami on March 30 to Hanuman Jayanti in April.
Sourish Mukherjee
Public Relations Head,
Vishwa Hindu Parishad, South Bengal.
VHP organizes two Thousand rallies on Ramnavami across Bengal
VHP has organised almost 2000 rallies across Bengal on the 30th March, on the occasion of Ram Navami. But it's still unclear whether these rallies will have a showcasing of weapons. All India Editor of VHP, Sachindranath Sinha says,"The entire society is trying to build itself on the beliefs and principles of Lord Ram. We do not think of bringing weapons in our rallies. Local people organise weaponised rallies keeping in mind the time and space. We have no comments on that. We are not a political party. We do humanitarian and public work. And on the basis of that, we will be bringing out these rallies on Ram navami."
There will be almost 1500 rallies in south Bengal and 500 in north bengal. Notices have been sent to districts - if they are unable to organise rallies, there must be some celebration in a temple. if one is unable to do so, then they'd have to organise for rituals in their own homes. They will have to perform these rituals with a picture of Ram and Sita's idol in Ayodhya.
1500 rallies on Ramnavami, VHP to go door to door and tell tales of Rama
Next Thursday (March 30) is Ramnavami. Rallies are being organised by the VHP. Public and media relations officer Sourish Mukherjee announced on Saturday,"This ramnavami is special to us as this marks the 60th anniversary of VHP. And the Ram temple in Ayodhya is almost constructed. So, we will celebrate Ram navami royally this time. We will be continuing with the celebrations from the day of ram navami to hanuman jayanti."
How will these celebrations be conducted?
Soureesh explains, "We will take out rallies in various districts across Bengal. We will go to each and every home and tell tales of Ram. Ram is the embodiment of truth. There is so much corruption and darkness around us. To overcome that, we need to teach people principles and values. There will also be religious gatherings. There will be 'go as you like' competition for children. Kids will dress up as Ram. There will be quizzes on Ramayana."
Will there be weapons in the rallies?
He says," we do not generally get weapons in the rallies. But Asansol. Barrackpore and some other places have been bringing weapons in the rallies. Those will still happen. Not in the other places. Chief minister had said that traditional weapon rallies can take place." Incidentally, the Chief Minister, in 2018, had said, "The traditional celebrations that have been happening for years, can have weapons in them. But no new celebrations can come up that have weapons in it. Rallies can happen. But they must happen peacefully."
Shri Ram Mahotsav and Shobhayatra
VHP, Nadia (North)
March 30, 2023
From 10AM-12PM, Ram Yagna, Ramayan Reading, Sobhayatra
3PM, Distribution of Prasad
Rally begins at, Krishnanagar Rajbari Chowk, Yagna and Puja at VHP Parishad Bhavan
Hindus!!! Awaken your self Respect!!
Ram Navami 2023
Puja and Shobhyatra
Directed by VHP, Mohanpur
30th March, 2023, at Singurai Satsang Vihar
Hindus come, Hindus go, Hindus make a crowd
You are a Hindu, I am a Hindu, only differences lie in our spine
Related:
Violence over Ram Navami procession in Bengal's Howrah, state a particular target
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Exaggerated or ominous, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) claims it has plans for 1500-2000 rallies during Ram Navami in Bengal
These claims have been published in two newspaper reports, one a daily Bartaman, the other Jugoshonkho that has a partiality for the rightwing BJP; two online posters “announce” these rallies previously not a cultural presence in Bengal
Reports in two leading Bangla newspapers announce dozens of Ram Navami rallies in the electorally crucial state of Bengal, says Jugoshonkho.
Here are some available online posters announcing the rallies
_*রাম নবমী মহোৎসব উৎযাপন ২০২৩*
বিশ্ব হিন্দু পরিষদের প্রেস বা
রামরাজত্বই ভবিতব্য:- রামবিরোধী
শ্রীরামচন্দ্র সনাতন ভারতীয় সং
যারা সুশাসন চায় না, যারা ভে
এ বছর রাম নবমী উপলক্ষ্যে বিশ্ব
এই বছরটা পরিষদের ৬০ বছর। আর এক
শুধু একটা দিনের কর্মসূচি নয়, ৩
সৌরীশ মুখার্জী
প্রচার প্রসার প্রমুখ , দক্ষি
A press release from the Viswa Hindu Parishad (above) dated March 30 states:
Ram Navami Mahotsava Celebration 2023
Vishwa Hindu Parishad press release
“The future is Ram Rajya: Anti-Rama - separatists will be isolated from society. Sri Ramachandra is the epitome of traditional Indian culture. He is the past, the present and the future - He is the seer. In the Treta Yuga, he established excellent governance in the world by establishing Rama Rajtva. Hence, every year Ram Navami is celebrated with dignity. From North to South and East to West, Ram Mohotsav is celebrated in every state of India and in about five lakh villages.
Lord Sri Ramachandra is 'Purushottam'. He is above all caste - language - region. Hence, the common adage, 'Sab Ka Ram.'
Those who don't want good governance, those who indulge in divisiveness, those who consider Lord Ramchandra as a fantasy, those who refuse to take the name of Ram, will be cut off from the society, Ram is not a word, Ram is a culture....."jo Ram ka nahi woh kisi kaam ka Nahi,"
This year, on the occasion of Ram Navami, Vishwa Hindu Parishad is organizing processions, readings and various cultural programs at around 2000 places. Vishva Hindu Parishad has informed that Ram Navami will be celebrated in a healthy and peaceful manner in all places, ignoring the opposition and repression of the administration.
This year is the 60th year of the Parishad. And within a year, Ramlala will be coming to the new temple in Ayodhya. There is a lot of emotion among the common people about this. So we decided to go door to door with the word of Rama and the dream of Rama's reign.
Not just a one-day programme, the council has decided to observe 'Ram Mahotsav' from Ram Navami on March 30 to Hanuman Jayanti in April.
Sourish Mukherjee
Public Relations Head,
Vishwa Hindu Parishad, South Bengal.
VHP organizes two Thousand rallies on Ramnavami across Bengal
VHP has organised almost 2000 rallies across Bengal on the 30th March, on the occasion of Ram Navami. But it's still unclear whether these rallies will have a showcasing of weapons. All India Editor of VHP, Sachindranath Sinha says,"The entire society is trying to build itself on the beliefs and principles of Lord Ram. We do not think of bringing weapons in our rallies. Local people organise weaponised rallies keeping in mind the time and space. We have no comments on that. We are not a political party. We do humanitarian and public work. And on the basis of that, we will be bringing out these rallies on Ram navami."
There will be almost 1500 rallies in south Bengal and 500 in north bengal. Notices have been sent to districts - if they are unable to organise rallies, there must be some celebration in a temple. if one is unable to do so, then they'd have to organise for rituals in their own homes. They will have to perform these rituals with a picture of Ram and Sita's idol in Ayodhya.
1500 rallies on Ramnavami, VHP to go door to door and tell tales of Rama
Next Thursday (March 30) is Ramnavami. Rallies are being organised by the VHP. Public and media relations officer Sourish Mukherjee announced on Saturday,"This ramnavami is special to us as this marks the 60th anniversary of VHP. And the Ram temple in Ayodhya is almost constructed. So, we will celebrate Ram navami royally this time. We will be continuing with the celebrations from the day of ram navami to hanuman jayanti."
How will these celebrations be conducted?
Soureesh explains, "We will take out rallies in various districts across Bengal. We will go to each and every home and tell tales of Ram. Ram is the embodiment of truth. There is so much corruption and darkness around us. To overcome that, we need to teach people principles and values. There will also be religious gatherings. There will be 'go as you like' competition for children. Kids will dress up as Ram. There will be quizzes on Ramayana."
Will there be weapons in the rallies?
He says," we do not generally get weapons in the rallies. But Asansol. Barrackpore and some other places have been bringing weapons in the rallies. Those will still happen. Not in the other places. Chief minister had said that traditional weapon rallies can take place." Incidentally, the Chief Minister, in 2018, had said, "The traditional celebrations that have been happening for years, can have weapons in them. But no new celebrations can come up that have weapons in it. Rallies can happen. But they must happen peacefully."
Shri Ram Mahotsav and Shobhayatra
VHP, Nadia (North)
March 30, 2023
From 10AM-12PM, Ram Yagna, Ramayan Reading, Sobhayatra
3PM, Distribution of Prasad
Rally begins at, Krishnanagar Rajbari Chowk, Yagna and Puja at VHP Parishad Bhavan
Hindus!!! Awaken your self Respect!!
Ram Navami 2023
Puja and Shobhyatra
Directed by VHP, Mohanpur
30th March, 2023, at Singurai Satsang Vihar
Hindus come, Hindus go, Hindus make a crowd
You are a Hindu, I am a Hindu, only differences lie in our spine
Related:
Violence over Ram Navami procession in Bengal's Howrah, state a particular target
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Related Articles
Theme
Campaigns
Videos
Archives
Archives
Podcasts
Violence over Ram Navami procession in Bengal's Howrah, state a particular target
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is on a dharna, says strict action will be taken against the culprits and reminded the people that Ram Navmi and Ramzan are both being observed by the people
Violence broke out between two groups when a Ram Navami procession was taken out in West Bengal's Howrah city, where several vehicles were torched and shops were ransacked on Thursday evening. Police said a number of people were detained in this connection.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is on a dharna, against non-payment of financial dues by the centre, said strict action will be taken against the culprits.
A police officer said the incident occurred when the procession was passing through the Kazipara locality. The city police thereafter conducted flag marches in all sensitive areas.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Police personnel conduct flag march after ruckus during 'Rama Navami' procession in Howrah where several vehicles were torched. pic.twitter.com/W845mdQQnQ
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2023
According to media reports in The Telegraph, several shops and auto-rickshaws were ransacked during the violence while a number of cars including a few police vehicles were set on fire. Four fire tenders were pressed into service to extinguish the blaze. Reportedly, the police had to resort to force to disperse an unruly mob. A large contingent of police was deployed in the locality where the situation is stated to be under control.
The chief minister, Mamta Banerjee, sharply criticised the BJP for allegedly trying to stoke communal tension during the Ram Navami procession in Howrah and said those involved in the incident will not be spared.
"I have repeatedly said that I will not block any Ram Navami procession. I had given clear instructions to the police in this regard. While one community is celebrating Annapurna Puja, the other is observing fast during Ramzan," she said while concluding her 30-hour extended sit-in in a demonstration in the city.
"Those who were involved in today's violence will not be spared. I do not support riot mongers and consider them the enemy of the country. The BJP has always targeted Howrah. The other targets for them are Park Circus and Islampur. Everybody must be alert in their localities," she said.
Predictably, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, a former senior member of the Trinamool Congress, however, dubbed the allegations as baseless.
"The chief minister and the state administration are responsible for the violence," Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, said.
Hindi television channels from outside the state, including AajTak however gave a particularly one-sided twist to the incident, even deliberately giving television time to provocative statements by former union minister, Giriraj Singh who is a senior leader of the BJP from Bihar.
Related:
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Violence over Ram Navami procession in Bengal's Howrah, state a particular target
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is on a dharna, says strict action will be taken against the culprits and reminded the people that Ram Navmi and Ramzan are both being observed by the people
Violence broke out between two groups when a Ram Navami procession was taken out in West Bengal's Howrah city, where several vehicles were torched and shops were ransacked on Thursday evening. Police said a number of people were detained in this connection.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is on a dharna, against non-payment of financial dues by the centre, said strict action will be taken against the culprits.
A police officer said the incident occurred when the procession was passing through the Kazipara locality. The city police thereafter conducted flag marches in all sensitive areas.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Police personnel conduct flag march after ruckus during 'Rama Navami' procession in Howrah where several vehicles were torched. pic.twitter.com/W845mdQQnQ
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2023
According to media reports in The Telegraph, several shops and auto-rickshaws were ransacked during the violence while a number of cars including a few police vehicles were set on fire. Four fire tenders were pressed into service to extinguish the blaze. Reportedly, the police had to resort to force to disperse an unruly mob. A large contingent of police was deployed in the locality where the situation is stated to be under control.
The chief minister, Mamta Banerjee, sharply criticised the BJP for allegedly trying to stoke communal tension during the Ram Navami procession in Howrah and said those involved in the incident will not be spared.
"I have repeatedly said that I will not block any Ram Navami procession. I had given clear instructions to the police in this regard. While one community is celebrating Annapurna Puja, the other is observing fast during Ramzan," she said while concluding her 30-hour extended sit-in in a demonstration in the city.
"Those who were involved in today's violence will not be spared. I do not support riot mongers and consider them the enemy of the country. The BJP has always targeted Howrah. The other targets for them are Park Circus and Islampur. Everybody must be alert in their localities," she said.
Predictably, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, a former senior member of the Trinamool Congress, however, dubbed the allegations as baseless.
"The chief minister and the state administration are responsible for the violence," Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, said.
Hindi television channels from outside the state, including AajTak however gave a particularly one-sided twist to the incident, even deliberately giving television time to provocative statements by former union minister, Giriraj Singh who is a senior leader of the BJP from Bihar.
Related:
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Related Articles
Theme
Campaigns
Videos
Archives
Archives
Podcasts
Police bandobast inadequate, uncontrolled mob in Ram Navmi procession in Shambhajinagar (Aurangabad), 1 killed: Tv9
An independent investigation into the CCTV footage of the Ram temple (mandir) will reveal how the violence erupted at Shambhajinagar (Aurangabad; this) is urgently needed says member of parliament (MP) Imtiaz Jaleel who was on the streets to prevent escalation of violence. One person died from an alleged bullet wound during clashes on on Ram Navami
Four to five incidents all over Maharashtra have marred Ram Navmi processions in the state, Shambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Jalgaon and Malad in Mumbai.
The insistence of processionists, mostly unchecked by the administration to keep to routes where Masjids (mosques) and churches have exacerbated the problem, In erstwhile Aurangabad, according to a report by Tv9, it was the tireless efforts of MP Imtiaz Jaleel that activated a sparse contingent of policemen (barely 15 for a crowd of thousands) that goaded the administration to bring matters under control. Jaleel a former journalist is from the All India India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) with Lokmat and NDTV and was previously, in 2014 elected to the state legislative assembly from Aurangabad. He is also the state president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in Maharashtra as well as a member of the Standing Committee of the Urban Development (UD).
In an interview with the channel, he has desisted from making any allegations but demanded that an independent inquiry that probes the violence, including analyzing the CCTV footage of the processionists and their behavior is announced. Jaleel, a former journalist told Tv9 that most of the processionists were in an uncontrolled state, having appeared to have consumed some substance.
Jaleel has also bemoaned the fact that the normally professional police force was absent in adequate numbers. He was himself injured by heavy stone throwing from the procession. Each time, this elected representative called the police to insist on action he was told, “We are coming, we are coming.”
Meanwhile, instead of putting pressure on the police administration, other opposition leaders from the Congress and Shiv Sena have blamed Jaleel for instigating the violence.
The interview on Tv9 may be viewed here:
Related:
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Police to closely monitor Ram Navami processions in Hyderabad and Mumbai
Police bandobast inadequate, uncontrolled mob in Ram Navmi procession in Shambhajinagar (Aurangabad), 1 killed: Tv9
An independent investigation into the CCTV footage of the Ram temple (mandir) will reveal how the violence erupted at Shambhajinagar (Aurangabad; this) is urgently needed says member of parliament (MP) Imtiaz Jaleel who was on the streets to prevent escalation of violence. One person died from an alleged bullet wound during clashes on on Ram Navami
Four to five incidents all over Maharashtra have marred Ram Navmi processions in the state, Shambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Jalgaon and Malad in Mumbai.
The insistence of processionists, mostly unchecked by the administration to keep to routes where Masjids (mosques) and churches have exacerbated the problem, In erstwhile Aurangabad, according to a report by Tv9, it was the tireless efforts of MP Imtiaz Jaleel that activated a sparse contingent of policemen (barely 15 for a crowd of thousands) that goaded the administration to bring matters under control. Jaleel a former journalist is from the All India India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) with Lokmat and NDTV and was previously, in 2014 elected to the state legislative assembly from Aurangabad. He is also the state president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in Maharashtra as well as a member of the Standing Committee of the Urban Development (UD).
In an interview with the channel, he has desisted from making any allegations but demanded that an independent inquiry that probes the violence, including analyzing the CCTV footage of the processionists and their behavior is announced. Jaleel, a former journalist told Tv9 that most of the processionists were in an uncontrolled state, having appeared to have consumed some substance.
Jaleel has also bemoaned the fact that the normally professional police force was absent in adequate numbers. He was himself injured by heavy stone throwing from the procession. Each time, this elected representative called the police to insist on action he was told, “We are coming, we are coming.”
Meanwhile, instead of putting pressure on the police administration, other opposition leaders from the Congress and Shiv Sena have blamed Jaleel for instigating the violence.
The interview on Tv9 may be viewed here:
Related:
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Police to closely monitor Ram Navami processions in Hyderabad and Mumbai
Related Articles
Theme
Campaigns
Videos
Archives
Archives
Podcasts
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Celebrations at such a large scale uncommon in the state
Representation Image
Today, Ramnavami, marks the celebration of Lord Ram’s birthday in India. The festival will be celebrated in about five lakh villages of India. In West Bengal, processions, religious gatherings and various cultural events are being organised at around 2,000 places. This was announced in a statement by the media in-charge of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (West Bengal) Sourish Mukherjee.
According to the statement, Vishwa Hindu Parishad will hold celebrations from March 30th to Hanuman Jayanti on April the 6th. It said, “Ram’s birthday would be celebrated on a grand scale this year, keeping in mind the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh next year.”
Ramnavami has been celebrated with much fanfare in West Bengal over the past few years. It was however not such a major festival before the BJP came to power in 2014l
In this context, Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen had said in 2019 that the slogan ‘Jai Sri Ram’ , recently popularised in West Bengal was being used to beat people up. In various parts of India, including West Bengal, many people are asked to chant Jai Shri Ram during Ram Navami and they are beaten up if they do not.
Last Sunday, Imam Zakir Syed Khawaja of Anoa village of Jalna district of Central Maharashtra was allegedly attacked by three goons who barged inside the mosque and ordered him to chant 'Jai Sriram' . On refusing to do so, he was beaten up and his beard was cut-off. He had to be hospitalised after the incident. This news was widely reported in the media and condemned by the civil society.
In the last decade, West Bengal has seen multiple attacks on minorities and mosques in the month of March-April. Often mosques were surrounded, loud music was played and ordinary muslims were threatened. Since these incidents have happened in full public glare, the ruling TMC has found it difficult to issue denials. Complaints have been registered with the police at many places.
Representation Image
This is why Ram Navami is of particular concern to the West Bengal administration. Because, during the festival, Ram devotees bring out rallies with sharp weapons, including swords, at several places. Another organisation called Hindu Jagran Manch, along with Vishwa Hindu Parishad often leads such rallies.
An inspector general of the state administration talked to us about the fact that they have strengthened security in the entire state. Police security has been increased in the mosque and adjoining areas. The chief minister's office is keeping a regular check on this matter.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, however, has said that there has been no call for carrying weapons at these rallies. Sachindranath Singh, All-India co-editor of the Parishad, told reporters, "We never talk about marching with weapons. If people organise weapon parades on their own in their own local areas, we have no say in the matter.”
Related:
Police to closely monitor Ram Navami processions in Hyderabad and Mumbai
Ram Navami: West Bengal administration on alert as 2000 celebrations planned
Celebrations at such a large scale uncommon in the state
Representation Image
Today, Ramnavami, marks the celebration of Lord Ram’s birthday in India. The festival will be celebrated in about five lakh villages of India. In West Bengal, processions, religious gatherings and various cultural events are being organised at around 2,000 places. This was announced in a statement by the media in-charge of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (West Bengal) Sourish Mukherjee.
According to the statement, Vishwa Hindu Parishad will hold celebrations from March 30th to Hanuman Jayanti on April the 6th. It said, “Ram’s birthday would be celebrated on a grand scale this year, keeping in mind the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh next year.”
Ramnavami has been celebrated with much fanfare in West Bengal over the past few years. It was however not such a major festival before the BJP came to power in 2014l
In this context, Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen had said in 2019 that the slogan ‘Jai Sri Ram’ , recently popularised in West Bengal was being used to beat people up. In various parts of India, including West Bengal, many people are asked to chant Jai Shri Ram during Ram Navami and they are beaten up if they do not.
Last Sunday, Imam Zakir Syed Khawaja of Anoa village of Jalna district of Central Maharashtra was allegedly attacked by three goons who barged inside the mosque and ordered him to chant 'Jai Sriram' . On refusing to do so, he was beaten up and his beard was cut-off. He had to be hospitalised after the incident. This news was widely reported in the media and condemned by the civil society.
In the last decade, West Bengal has seen multiple attacks on minorities and mosques in the month of March-April. Often mosques were surrounded, loud music was played and ordinary muslims were threatened. Since these incidents have happened in full public glare, the ruling TMC has found it difficult to issue denials. Complaints have been registered with the police at many places.
Representation Image
This is why Ram Navami is of particular concern to the West Bengal administration. Because, during the festival, Ram devotees bring out rallies with sharp weapons, including swords, at several places. Another organisation called Hindu Jagran Manch, along with Vishwa Hindu Parishad often leads such rallies.
An inspector general of the state administration talked to us about the fact that they have strengthened security in the entire state. Police security has been increased in the mosque and adjoining areas. The chief minister's office is keeping a regular check on this matter.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, however, has said that there has been no call for carrying weapons at these rallies. Sachindranath Singh, All-India co-editor of the Parishad, told reporters, "We never talk about marching with weapons. If people organise weapon parades on their own in their own local areas, we have no say in the matter.”
Related:
Police to closely monitor Ram Navami processions in Hyderabad and Mumbai
Related Articles
Theme
Campaigns
Videos
Archives
Archives
Podcasts
Faridabad: Far right speakers at the Hindu Ekta rally gave anti-minority speeches, used anti-Muslim slurs, made open calls for economic boycott and genocide
The Bajrang Dal-organised event featured speakers Suresh Chavhanke and Jagadguru Paramhansa, no action taken by the police
On March 26, Bajrang Dal leader Bittu Bajrangi organised a Hindu Ekta rally in Faridabad, Haryana, where far-right leaders delivered hate speeches targeting Muslims & Christians. This rally was organised with the aim of spreading hatred and propagating their communally divisive agendas, with open calls for economic boycott and violence being made. Videos showing clips of the speeches given by Jagadguru Paramhansa and Sudarshan TV Editor-in-chief, Suresh Chavhanke, were uploaded on social media. In both the speeches, vile, derogatory and offensive statements were uttered against the religious minorities, especially the Muslim community. Organised before Ram Navami, these speeches provided a small insight into the kind of derogatory garbage these extremist are planning to spread.
Jagadguru Paramhansa’s speech
In his speech, Jagadguru Paramhansa gave open and direct calls for economic boycott and genocidal violence against Muslims. To provoke the Hindu audience, the speaker misappropriated the historical past of India, accused the Muslim community of having committed gory crimes against the Hindu women, and even made misleading remarks about the Kashmir genocide of Hindus. A transcript of the speech given by Jagadguru Paramhansa is as follows:
“This sabha of Faridabad will lead to erasure of Islamabad from the map. People might not know me, but all these jihadis surely know me. I am ready for my own protection and defense, and it is my duty to get other people ready too. We are ready to die for the unity for our country, and we are also ready to kill those who want to divide our country.” (Time Stamp- 0:00- 0:35)
“Even though we are the followers of non-violence, but to kill demons is our primary duty. For all those fighting against the Hindus, I just want to say that we will not strike first, but our counterstrike will be to get you in jail. We do not humiliate anyone, but crores of the Hindu daughters and sisters have been killed by Muslims, they trap them, commit wrong acts with them, and then chop them into pieces.” (Time Stamp- 0:37- 1:16)
“This is why we need to stay united, to protect our Hindus. And I am telling you this, no Christian or Muslim (use of anti-Muslims slur) is not worth of trust. We will not trust any Christian or Muslim because these people put their spit on eatables, or even put their pee on things. They have bad thought in their brains.” (Time Stamp- 1:16- 1:54)
“And this is why, we should not trust any Muslim, not buy any material from them, and not attack them first. But for even one Hindu that is killed, search and kill atleast one lakh such jihadis. Search the corners of this earth and kill one lakh jihadis to show them that we will not just stand while you kill our Hindus. More than a crore of Hindu daughters and sisters have been murdered till now.” (Time Stamp- 1:54- 2:28)
“Nobody wants to talk about Kashmir today. On August 16, 1946, these Muslims had issued ultimatums, had butchered crore Hindus because they did not want to stay with Hindus. Pakistan and Bangladesh because Muslim nations and Hindus are not considered first class citizens. The same should be done in India and it should become a Hindu nation.” (Time Stamp- 2:28- 2:53)
“In 1990, Mughals had done so much in Kashmir. I am not saying all this to provoke you, just narrating what had happened with us. The Maulvis in Kashmir used a mic to announce those Hindus that follow Sanatan Dharam should either leave Kashmir or die, or accept Islam as their religion and turn Muslims. Those who left Kashmir then are still homeless, and those who remained were chopped into 100 pieces. Our sisters and daughters were raped.” (Time Stamp- 2:54- 3:36)
“The population of Hindus is 80%. Through this stage, we urge all the Hindus to take pledge that we have to demand the government to declare India as a Hindu nation and Christians and Muslims should be made to leave. In 2024, we will demand the government.” (Time Stamp- 3:36- 4:01)
“At the time of Ram Mandir in Ayodha I had said that whoever’s predecessor is Lord Ram, we will perform a havan. I am telling you, thousands of Muslims had also brought in their Burkha clad wives and said that our ancestors are also Hindu. And it is a very happy day because 10 crore Muslims and 5 lakh Christians have already contacted me to perform “Gharwaapsi” on them. This is because they have accepted that their ancestors were also Hindus. Slowly we will spread the saffron color in the whole world.” (Time Stamp- 4:02- 4:54)
The video can be viewed here:
Location: Faridabad, Haryana
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 27, 2023
On March 26, Bajrang Dal leader Bittu Bajrangi organized a Hindu Ekta rally, where far-right leaders delivered hate speeches against Muslims & Christians.
Jagadguru Paramhansa gave calls for economic boycott and genocidal violence against Muslims. pic.twitter.com/eMv4BsCNMl
Suresh Chavhanke speech
Through this speech, serial hate speaker Suresh Chavhanke gave a derogatory, Islamophobic and hate-filled speech. In a highly publicised, deliberate, malicious and hate-filled speech, Chavhanke peddled conspiracy theories and urged the residents of Faridabad to take action against Muslims so that the district does not see a rise in Muslim population. He also used anti-Muslim slurs and called on factory owner in Faridabad to remove so called “Bangladeshi” workers and ask them for their documents. A transcript of his speech is as follows:
Screams of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” are heard.
“The screams did not even go outside this pandal. The screams should reach the Miyas of Jama Masjid.”
Louder Screams of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” are heard. (Time Stamp- 0:00- 0:18)
“This event is not only being watched by Hindu lions and lionesses, but by many pigs too. And that too not only from Faridabad, but also from Bhagya Nagar, and that is why the message should be clear. In the previous Shobha Yatra, some people had shown naked swords, and even the people in America had gotten scared after seeing those naked swords.” (Time Stamp- 0:19- 0:51)
“And so many of these news media were beating their chests. Now that NDTV belongs to Adani, it might not cry as much now. But we have to take out our swords at the right time only. In Shobha Yatra, some may suffer from cardiac arrests, so many get fear, or somebody’s pants may start hanging loose, so we cannot do the crime of bringing our swords here.” (Time Stamp- 0:51- 1:19)
“This DJ was so loud that even the cars outside were vibrating. We do not have to vibrate our cars, we aim to shake the courage of our enemies. In the whole country, during Shri Ram Shobha Yatra, many jihadis attack us. To give these people a sing, we hold the Faridabad rally first. Through the show of the courage of the ones who are here, we hold this yatra first and let the ones who attack us know.” (Time Stamp- 1:22- 2:04)
“It is such a sad situation, be it our rally for our New Year, rally for our Lord Ram, or rally for Hanuman Jayanti, stones are pelted at us. Now some people, who throw stones, are given such values and upbringing. But these people should remember that we are the army of those who stopped the world from being engulfed in the storm of Islam, and still remain Hindu even after the passing of thousand years.” (Time Stamp- 2:04- 2:33)
“I am back from the 6 day yatra in Mumbai. At one place, Navnath Temple and Machindranath temple have been captured by them. They have locked the Machindranath temple and given it a name of some Miya. I had gone there, more than 1000 police officers were there. Then, I said that if the lock is not opened with 5 minutes, we will break it. And as soon the 5 minutes were over, we broke the lock and freed the temple.” (Time Stamp- 2:34- 3:11)
“I had also appealed there that if your ancestors also came to this temple, which is older than Islam itself, what will you achieve by locking it up or putting cement on it? Instead of changing the name of your God, it is better that you return to us and correct your mistake, we will accept you. It is worrisome that Faridabad, a city which finds the roots of Pandavs in its past, is on the verge of losing its characteristic.” (Time Stamp- 3:12- 3:48)
“Illegal Bangladeshi migrants are getting settled here. In a lot of factories here, Bangladeshi are working here. I urge all the factory owners to keep in mind that though these Bangladeshis might work for cheaper prices, but this will cost you more in the end. Thus, through this 7th Shobha Yatra, the unified Hindus are appealing those factor owner, who pay so much tax to the government that they should not wait for the country to bring in NRC, they should start NRC within their own factories.” (Time Stamp- 3:48- 4:30)
“You should ask for documents. Only after asking for documents did we get to know that the Madrassa that they claimed to be 700 years old, was false. In Nashik, Peshwa had built a temple for Ganapati, and it was 300 years old. When I went to a Sabha in Nashik, some Hindus said that the Madrassa there is 4 times bigger than the temple. When I reached the Madrassa, we got to know that no one is sleeping inside it, and they have made a mazhar.” (Time Stamp- 4:30- 5:13)
“First they kept 4 bricks, and kept expanding it. They turned it into some structure, named it into something. And today, a mazhar bigger than this pandal is standing there. The temples of Hindus are being captured and land jihad is being committed. How come mazhars bigger than the temples are present?” (Time Stamp- 5:13- 5:36)
“Your neighboring district is Mewad. Will we let Faridabad turn into Mewad? What is happening in Mewad today will also happen in Faridabad if we do not wake up and act. No one will be able to save Faridabad then.” (Time Stamp- 5:36- 5:59)
The video can be viewed here:
Far-right leader Suresh Chavhanke delivered a hate speech against Muslims and peddling conspiracy theories.
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 27, 2023
He called on factory owner in Faridabad to remove so called “Bangladeshi” workers and ask them for their papers. pic.twitter.com/U4PtojxWtl
Chavhanke and Jagadguru Paramhansa have repeatedly made such statements that are communal, divisive, and incendiary and amount to hate speeches, with the knowledge that such incendiary remarks would have the propensity to stoke communal tensions and also instigate violence. All this suggests that he has no respect for either the law or the plural culture of India. Chavhanke, in his speech, also spoke of other instances when violence was instigated by the far-right goons, even in the presence of police. Till now, no action has been taken against either of them.
Related:
MP, UP: incidents of hate, intolerance and violence against Muslims reported from both states
Bilkis Bano gang rape convict shares stage with BJP MP, MLA: Gujarat
Family of Momeen, arrested for posting whatsapp status for Aurangzeb, forced to leave village
Rising Intolerance in Maharashtra: 2 Muslim boys arrested for putting a status on Aurangzeb
Maharashtra: Vitriolic speaker from Gujarat calls for economic boycott of Muslims in Mira-Bhayandar
CJP’s PIL seeking directions for established law & procedure on religious processions: A Factsheet
Faridabad: Far right speakers at the Hindu Ekta rally gave anti-minority speeches, used anti-Muslim slurs, made open calls for economic boycott and genocide
The Bajrang Dal-organised event featured speakers Suresh Chavhanke and Jagadguru Paramhansa, no action taken by the police
On March 26, Bajrang Dal leader Bittu Bajrangi organised a Hindu Ekta rally in Faridabad, Haryana, where far-right leaders delivered hate speeches targeting Muslims & Christians. This rally was organised with the aim of spreading hatred and propagating their communally divisive agendas, with open calls for economic boycott and violence being made. Videos showing clips of the speeches given by Jagadguru Paramhansa and Sudarshan TV Editor-in-chief, Suresh Chavhanke, were uploaded on social media. In both the speeches, vile, derogatory and offensive statements were uttered against the religious minorities, especially the Muslim community. Organised before Ram Navami, these speeches provided a small insight into the kind of derogatory garbage these extremist are planning to spread.
Jagadguru Paramhansa’s speech
In his speech, Jagadguru Paramhansa gave open and direct calls for economic boycott and genocidal violence against Muslims. To provoke the Hindu audience, the speaker misappropriated the historical past of India, accused the Muslim community of having committed gory crimes against the Hindu women, and even made misleading remarks about the Kashmir genocide of Hindus. A transcript of the speech given by Jagadguru Paramhansa is as follows:
“This sabha of Faridabad will lead to erasure of Islamabad from the map. People might not know me, but all these jihadis surely know me. I am ready for my own protection and defense, and it is my duty to get other people ready too. We are ready to die for the unity for our country, and we are also ready to kill those who want to divide our country.” (Time Stamp- 0:00- 0:35)
“Even though we are the followers of non-violence, but to kill demons is our primary duty. For all those fighting against the Hindus, I just want to say that we will not strike first, but our counterstrike will be to get you in jail. We do not humiliate anyone, but crores of the Hindu daughters and sisters have been killed by Muslims, they trap them, commit wrong acts with them, and then chop them into pieces.” (Time Stamp- 0:37- 1:16)
“This is why we need to stay united, to protect our Hindus. And I am telling you this, no Christian or Muslim (use of anti-Muslims slur) is not worth of trust. We will not trust any Christian or Muslim because these people put their spit on eatables, or even put their pee on things. They have bad thought in their brains.” (Time Stamp- 1:16- 1:54)
“And this is why, we should not trust any Muslim, not buy any material from them, and not attack them first. But for even one Hindu that is killed, search and kill atleast one lakh such jihadis. Search the corners of this earth and kill one lakh jihadis to show them that we will not just stand while you kill our Hindus. More than a crore of Hindu daughters and sisters have been murdered till now.” (Time Stamp- 1:54- 2:28)
“Nobody wants to talk about Kashmir today. On August 16, 1946, these Muslims had issued ultimatums, had butchered crore Hindus because they did not want to stay with Hindus. Pakistan and Bangladesh because Muslim nations and Hindus are not considered first class citizens. The same should be done in India and it should become a Hindu nation.” (Time Stamp- 2:28- 2:53)
“In 1990, Mughals had done so much in Kashmir. I am not saying all this to provoke you, just narrating what had happened with us. The Maulvis in Kashmir used a mic to announce those Hindus that follow Sanatan Dharam should either leave Kashmir or die, or accept Islam as their religion and turn Muslims. Those who left Kashmir then are still homeless, and those who remained were chopped into 100 pieces. Our sisters and daughters were raped.” (Time Stamp- 2:54- 3:36)
“The population of Hindus is 80%. Through this stage, we urge all the Hindus to take pledge that we have to demand the government to declare India as a Hindu nation and Christians and Muslims should be made to leave. In 2024, we will demand the government.” (Time Stamp- 3:36- 4:01)
“At the time of Ram Mandir in Ayodha I had said that whoever’s predecessor is Lord Ram, we will perform a havan. I am telling you, thousands of Muslims had also brought in their Burkha clad wives and said that our ancestors are also Hindu. And it is a very happy day because 10 crore Muslims and 5 lakh Christians have already contacted me to perform “Gharwaapsi” on them. This is because they have accepted that their ancestors were also Hindus. Slowly we will spread the saffron color in the whole world.” (Time Stamp- 4:02- 4:54)
The video can be viewed here:
Location: Faridabad, Haryana
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 27, 2023
On March 26, Bajrang Dal leader Bittu Bajrangi organized a Hindu Ekta rally, where far-right leaders delivered hate speeches against Muslims & Christians.
Jagadguru Paramhansa gave calls for economic boycott and genocidal violence against Muslims. pic.twitter.com/eMv4BsCNMl
Suresh Chavhanke speech
Through this speech, serial hate speaker Suresh Chavhanke gave a derogatory, Islamophobic and hate-filled speech. In a highly publicised, deliberate, malicious and hate-filled speech, Chavhanke peddled conspiracy theories and urged the residents of Faridabad to take action against Muslims so that the district does not see a rise in Muslim population. He also used anti-Muslim slurs and called on factory owner in Faridabad to remove so called “Bangladeshi” workers and ask them for their documents. A transcript of his speech is as follows:
Screams of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” are heard.
“The screams did not even go outside this pandal. The screams should reach the Miyas of Jama Masjid.”
Louder Screams of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” are heard. (Time Stamp- 0:00- 0:18)
“This event is not only being watched by Hindu lions and lionesses, but by many pigs too. And that too not only from Faridabad, but also from Bhagya Nagar, and that is why the message should be clear. In the previous Shobha Yatra, some people had shown naked swords, and even the people in America had gotten scared after seeing those naked swords.” (Time Stamp- 0:19- 0:51)
“And so many of these news media were beating their chests. Now that NDTV belongs to Adani, it might not cry as much now. But we have to take out our swords at the right time only. In Shobha Yatra, some may suffer from cardiac arrests, so many get fear, or somebody’s pants may start hanging loose, so we cannot do the crime of bringing our swords here.” (Time Stamp- 0:51- 1:19)
“This DJ was so loud that even the cars outside were vibrating. We do not have to vibrate our cars, we aim to shake the courage of our enemies. In the whole country, during Shri Ram Shobha Yatra, many jihadis attack us. To give these people a sing, we hold the Faridabad rally first. Through the show of the courage of the ones who are here, we hold this yatra first and let the ones who attack us know.” (Time Stamp- 1:22- 2:04)
“It is such a sad situation, be it our rally for our New Year, rally for our Lord Ram, or rally for Hanuman Jayanti, stones are pelted at us. Now some people, who throw stones, are given such values and upbringing. But these people should remember that we are the army of those who stopped the world from being engulfed in the storm of Islam, and still remain Hindu even after the passing of thousand years.” (Time Stamp- 2:04- 2:33)
“I am back from the 6 day yatra in Mumbai. At one place, Navnath Temple and Machindranath temple have been captured by them. They have locked the Machindranath temple and given it a name of some Miya. I had gone there, more than 1000 police officers were there. Then, I said that if the lock is not opened with 5 minutes, we will break it. And as soon the 5 minutes were over, we broke the lock and freed the temple.” (Time Stamp- 2:34- 3:11)
“I had also appealed there that if your ancestors also came to this temple, which is older than Islam itself, what will you achieve by locking it up or putting cement on it? Instead of changing the name of your God, it is better that you return to us and correct your mistake, we will accept you. It is worrisome that Faridabad, a city which finds the roots of Pandavs in its past, is on the verge of losing its characteristic.” (Time Stamp- 3:12- 3:48)
“Illegal Bangladeshi migrants are getting settled here. In a lot of factories here, Bangladeshi are working here. I urge all the factory owners to keep in mind that though these Bangladeshis might work for cheaper prices, but this will cost you more in the end. Thus, through this 7th Shobha Yatra, the unified Hindus are appealing those factor owner, who pay so much tax to the government that they should not wait for the country to bring in NRC, they should start NRC within their own factories.” (Time Stamp- 3:48- 4:30)
“You should ask for documents. Only after asking for documents did we get to know that the Madrassa that they claimed to be 700 years old, was false. In Nashik, Peshwa had built a temple for Ganapati, and it was 300 years old. When I went to a Sabha in Nashik, some Hindus said that the Madrassa there is 4 times bigger than the temple. When I reached the Madrassa, we got to know that no one is sleeping inside it, and they have made a mazhar.” (Time Stamp- 4:30- 5:13)
“First they kept 4 bricks, and kept expanding it. They turned it into some structure, named it into something. And today, a mazhar bigger than this pandal is standing there. The temples of Hindus are being captured and land jihad is being committed. How come mazhars bigger than the temples are present?” (Time Stamp- 5:13- 5:36)
“Your neighboring district is Mewad. Will we let Faridabad turn into Mewad? What is happening in Mewad today will also happen in Faridabad if we do not wake up and act. No one will be able to save Faridabad then.” (Time Stamp- 5:36- 5:59)
The video can be viewed here:
Far-right leader Suresh Chavhanke delivered a hate speech against Muslims and peddling conspiracy theories.
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 27, 2023
He called on factory owner in Faridabad to remove so called “Bangladeshi” workers and ask them for their papers. pic.twitter.com/U4PtojxWtl
Chavhanke and Jagadguru Paramhansa have repeatedly made such statements that are communal, divisive, and incendiary and amount to hate speeches, with the knowledge that such incendiary remarks would have the propensity to stoke communal tensions and also instigate violence. All this suggests that he has no respect for either the law or the plural culture of India. Chavhanke, in his speech, also spoke of other instances when violence was instigated by the far-right goons, even in the presence of police. Till now, no action has been taken against either of them.
Related:
MP, UP: incidents of hate, intolerance and violence against Muslims reported from both states
Bilkis Bano gang rape convict shares stage with BJP MP, MLA: Gujarat
Family of Momeen, arrested for posting whatsapp status for Aurangzeb, forced to leave village
Rising Intolerance in Maharashtra: 2 Muslim boys arrested for putting a status on Aurangzeb
Maharashtra: Vitriolic speaker from Gujarat calls for economic boycott of Muslims in Mira-Bhayandar
CJP’s PIL seeking directions for established law & procedure on religious processions: A Factsheet
Related Articles
Theme
Campaigns
Videos
Archives
Archives
Podcasts
Police to closely monitor Ram Navami processions in Hyderabad and Mumbai
CJP wrote to the local police in both cities and sought preventive action against these rallies organised by right wing groups, whoever the police assured strict vigilance
In 2022, Ram Navami celebrations were blotched with spurious incidents of communal violence with the majority community provoking the minority community ultimately resulting in clashes and injuries to people and destruction of homes and property. If one recalls, such incidents were reported from Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal as well as Delhi and Mumbai.
In Mumbai’s Mankhurd area, some miscreants had started shouting ‘Jai Shree ram’ slogans while the Muslims in the area were performing namaz. They were requested to stop for a while but eventually a crowd gathered and the situation escalated and a mob of 40 carrying swords reached the place and started destroying the vehicles including rickshaws. A case of rioting was registered against the goons.
Citizens for Justice and Peace, in the preceding days intimated the Hyderabad and Mumbai Police with regards to Ram Navami processions organized in the respective cities by right wing organisations. On March 28 and March 29, letters were sent to Santacruz Police (Mumbai) and Mangalhat police(Hyderabad). IN Mumbai, it was the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal local units organising a rally from Shanti Nagar area passing through Daulat nagar and culminating at Gajdhar bandh.
Further, in Hyderabad’s Dhoolpet area which comes under Mangalhat police station, an event called ‘Vishal Shri Ram Navami Shobha Yatra’ was being organised by suspended BJP MLA and President of Shri Ram Yuva Sena T Raja Singh. Singh is known for his malicious and vicious hate speeches calling for violence against Muslims, denigrating them and their religion and generally making vile comments about religious minorities, be it Christians or Muslims.
In both our letters we highlighted the dangers to law and order situations in case both these events are allowed and urged for preventive action. However, telephonic conversations with stations in-charge of both police stations confirmed that both the events are taking place but under heavy police bandobast (deployment). Both officers said that they have made preparations to ensure that no such acts that would disturb public peace and order would occur.
In our complaint to Mumbai Police, addressed to Santacruz police station in-charge, as well as Commissioner of Police (Vivek Phansalkar) and DCP-Zone-IX (Anil Paraskar) we highlighted how last year’s Ram Navami was marred by incidents of clashes, stone-pelting, trishul diksha, attacks on students and many other instances of violent communal confrontation.
In our complaint to Mangalhat Police, we mentioned the notorious history of Raja Singh who has repeatedly and brazenly delivered hate speeches against the minorities and tried to invoke violence against them. The police were also reminded that Raja Singh had continuously acted in contempt of Telangana High Court’s order that he should not participate in rallies after he was granted bail in a case. The letter was also addressed to ACP, Goshamahal Division and DCP, West Zone, Hyderabad.
In both complaints we cited Supreme Court’s February 3 order directing the police to invoke section 151 of CrPC stating that it was the police officer’s duty to invoke the same in case the occasion arises. We also cited the October 21, 2022 order where the court had said,
“As and when any speech or any action takes place which attracts offences such as Sections 153A, 153B and 295A and 505 of the IPC etc., suo moto action will be taken to register cases even if no complaint is forthcoming and proceed against the offenders in accordance with law.”
Both orders are from a batch of petitions being heard by a bench of Justice KM Joseph and Justice BV Nagarathna against various instances of hate crimes across the country.
The Complaint to Hyderabad Police may be read here:
The complaint to Mumbai Police may be read here:
Related:
Communal confrontations mar Ram Navami celebrations in five states
MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE, INTIMIDATION OF MUSLIMS REPORTED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF RAMADAN
CJP INTIMATES MAHARASHTRA POLICE ABOUT HJS GUDI PADWA EVENTS
Police to closely monitor Ram Navami processions in Hyderabad and Mumbai
CJP wrote to the local police in both cities and sought preventive action against these rallies organised by right wing groups, whoever the police assured strict vigilance
In 2022, Ram Navami celebrations were blotched with spurious incidents of communal violence with the majority community provoking the minority community ultimately resulting in clashes and injuries to people and destruction of homes and property. If one recalls, such incidents were reported from Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal as well as Delhi and Mumbai.
In Mumbai’s Mankhurd area, some miscreants had started shouting ‘Jai Shree ram’ slogans while the Muslims in the area were performing namaz. They were requested to stop for a while but eventually a crowd gathered and the situation escalated and a mob of 40 carrying swords reached the place and started destroying the vehicles including rickshaws. A case of rioting was registered against the goons.
Citizens for Justice and Peace, in the preceding days intimated the Hyderabad and Mumbai Police with regards to Ram Navami processions organized in the respective cities by right wing organisations. On March 28 and March 29, letters were sent to Santacruz Police (Mumbai) and Mangalhat police(Hyderabad). IN Mumbai, it was the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal local units organising a rally from Shanti Nagar area passing through Daulat nagar and culminating at Gajdhar bandh.
Further, in Hyderabad’s Dhoolpet area which comes under Mangalhat police station, an event called ‘Vishal Shri Ram Navami Shobha Yatra’ was being organised by suspended BJP MLA and President of Shri Ram Yuva Sena T Raja Singh. Singh is known for his malicious and vicious hate speeches calling for violence against Muslims, denigrating them and their religion and generally making vile comments about religious minorities, be it Christians or Muslims.
In both our letters we highlighted the dangers to law and order situations in case both these events are allowed and urged for preventive action. However, telephonic conversations with stations in-charge of both police stations confirmed that both the events are taking place but under heavy police bandobast (deployment). Both officers said that they have made preparations to ensure that no such acts that would disturb public peace and order would occur.
In our complaint to Mumbai Police, addressed to Santacruz police station in-charge, as well as Commissioner of Police (Vivek Phansalkar) and DCP-Zone-IX (Anil Paraskar) we highlighted how last year’s Ram Navami was marred by incidents of clashes, stone-pelting, trishul diksha, attacks on students and many other instances of violent communal confrontation.
In our complaint to Mangalhat Police, we mentioned the notorious history of Raja Singh who has repeatedly and brazenly delivered hate speeches against the minorities and tried to invoke violence against them. The police were also reminded that Raja Singh had continuously acted in contempt of Telangana High Court’s order that he should not participate in rallies after he was granted bail in a case. The letter was also addressed to ACP, Goshamahal Division and DCP, West Zone, Hyderabad.
In both complaints we cited Supreme Court’s February 3 order directing the police to invoke section 151 of CrPC stating that it was the police officer’s duty to invoke the same in case the occasion arises. We also cited the October 21, 2022 order where the court had said,
“As and when any speech or any action takes place which attracts offences such as Sections 153A, 153B and 295A and 505 of the IPC etc., suo moto action will be taken to register cases even if no complaint is forthcoming and proceed against the offenders in accordance with law.”
Both orders are from a batch of petitions being heard by a bench of Justice KM Joseph and Justice BV Nagarathna against various instances of hate crimes across the country.
The Complaint to Hyderabad Police may be read here:
The complaint to Mumbai Police may be read here:
Related:
Communal confrontations mar Ram Navami celebrations in five states
MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE, INTIMIDATION OF MUSLIMS REPORTED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF RAMADAN
CJP INTIMATES MAHARASHTRA POLICE ABOUT HJS GUDI PADWA EVENTS
Related Articles
Theme
Campaigns
Videos
Archives
Archives
Podcasts
Open display of “welcome to Akhand Hindu Rashtra” accepted while “discomfort” over Namaz being offered in basement, is this the New India?
Muslims on edge during Ramadan as multiple incidents of violence, abuse and intimidation are being reported
Days after Ramadan started in India and worldwide, several instances of targeting and intimidating Muslims have been reported. Stopping them from offering Namaaz, and subjecting them to violence and abuse. Many attempts are being made to cause disharmony amongst communities, to provoke individuals from the majority and minority communities as both celebrate their own cultural festivals, with Ram Navami being just around the corner. Extremist Hindutva outfits and their local supports are resorting to petty and offensive tactics to otherise the Muslim community. One such example are the objectionable banners, saying "Welcome to Akhand Hindu Rashtra", being put up by the Hindutva outfits at various areas, but especially those areas which are either sensitive or Muslim populated. One such banner has been put up by the extremist Bajrang Dal at Sangam Nagar Wadala in East Mumbai.
The post can be viewed here:
An objectionable banner saying "Welcome to Akhand Hindu Rashtra" put up by Bajrang Dal at Sangam Nagar Wadala in East Mumbai. @MumbaiPolice Kindly take action on this. pic.twitter.com/777qMElh8Y
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) March 28, 2023
Another such banner, saying “Jai Hindu Rashtra”, has been put up in Sarafa Bazaar, Khargone. Khargone in Madhya Pradesh is the same area where during Ram Navami last year, the atmosphere had become communal and a Muslim man was murdered by a Hindu mob. Hate-offender Kapil Mishra’s speech and inciteful words had been the driving force behind this communal hatred. Later, the government had also attacked Muslims collectively by bulldozing their homes and properties. And now, in this communally sensitive area, the aforementioned offensive and instigating banners have been displayed at 4 places, i.e. two in Talab Chowk and two in Sarafa Bazar. It is important to be noted that while this is taking place near the Talab Chowk police station, no action has yet been taken by the police against the perpetrators.
The post can be viewed here:
During Ram Navami last year, the atmosphere in Khargone became communal, where a Muslim man allegedly murdered by a hindu mob. Later, the government attacked Muslims collectively by bulldozing their homes and properties. An objectionable banner with the words "Jai Hindu Rashtra" pic.twitter.com/Vcy0hKWhui
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) March 28, 2023
In another such instance of intolerance and hatred, in the beginning of this week, the locals in Greater Noida showed discomfort and created a ruckus against the happening of congregational prayers in the basement of a building. Not so surprisingly, the police resolved this issue by asking the Muslims to remove the tent and stop praying there. The video of this incident is now going viral online, where a group of people can be seen at the entrance of the society, and the police can be seen arriving later.
The video can be viewed here:
Members of a housing society in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, raised a commotion after it was discovered that some Muslims were praying in the building's basement. Police have solved the majority community problem by taking down the tent that was built for prayer. pic.twitter.com/gmlgqvw0Df
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) March 27, 2023
A video showing the tent that got removed by the residents was also shared later on social media and can be viewed here:
The tent that was disturbing them so badly that they lost sleep over it. pic.twitter.com/5wBcHEeiON
— Drunk Journalist (@drunkJournalist) March 27, 2023
On March 26, an incident of brutal abuse was reported in Maharashtra. In the aforementioned incident, an Imam leading prayer at a mosque in Maharashtra's Anwa village was assaulted by unidentified individuals who entered the place of worship and beat him up for refusing to chant "Jai Shri Ram." According to India Today, the incident occurred on Sunday at around 7.30 p.m. while the Imam was sitting inside the mosque reading the Quran. When the Imam refused to do as he was told, three individuals beat him outside the mosque. According to the report, the Imam claimed that his assailants used a chemical-laced cloth to make him unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he discovered his beard had been severed. A video of the Imam being taken to the hospital has gone viral on social media.
According to India Today, the Imam was first rushed to a government hospital in Sillod. He was later transferred to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Aurangabad, where he is receiving treatment.
According to India Today, after the incident was reported, police arrived at Anwar village, where the mosque is located, and began investigating the incident. A case was registered at the Paradh police station in Bhokardan against the unidentified individuals under Sections 452 (trespassing after preparation for hurt, assault), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 34 (criminal act by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The video of the Imam being take to the hospital can be viewed here:
Location: Anwa, Jalna district, Maharashtra
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 28, 2023
A Muslim cleric leading prayers at a mosque was thrashed, his beard cut by attackers for refusing to chant Jai Shri Ram. pic.twitter.com/P97J0dqB0f
In a separate incident on March 26, members of the far-right Bajrang Dal shouted anti-Muslim slogans in front of a Mosque and Madrassa during a rally. Stone pelting was reported in the area. The incident took place in Tele village in Ramgarh, Rajasthan, where the mob was seen carrying saffron flags, wearing saffron scarfs, and using abusive language and anti-Muslim slurs while shouting 'Jai Shree Ram'.
The video can be viewed here:
Location: Tele village, Ramgarh, Rajasthan
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 28, 2023
On March 26, during a rally, members of the far-right Bajrang Dal raised objectionable slogans against Muslims in front of the Mosque and Madarasa.
Stone pelting reported from the area. pic.twitter.com/0j907TZuGu…
On March 28, in Karnataka, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had carried out protest in Hassan's Belur opposing the decades old ritual of reciting Quran during historical Chennakeshava Rathotsava, and raised demands of the said ritual being discounted. The Hindu outfits have maintained since a few years that the ritual should not be observed as it is “against the Hindu religion”. During the said procession, a Muslim youth allegedly shouted Quran Zindabad, which led to commotion. The Bajrang Dal and Hindu activists questioned the youth and surrounded him. The situation turned serious when the youth got into an argument with the agitators. Later, he was chased by protesters. Meanwhile, another group of agitators blocked the road. The cops then intervened and took control of the situation by, ironically, arresting the Muslim individual and taking him away.
A video of the mob surrounding the police van and sloganeering can be viewed here:
#BajrangDal carried out protest in #Hassan's belur opposing decades old ritual of reciting #Quran during Chennakeshava Rathotsava.During the procession,a #Muslim youth allegedly shouted Quran Zindabad. This led to commotion.Cops took him away to control the situation. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/fK9lnNSK8D
— Imran Khan (@KeypadGuerilla) March 28, 2023
The Rathotsav will take place on April 4 and 5 in Belur during which a tradition is followed wherein the Hindu festival begins with a recitation of the Quran. Lakhs of devotees throng to the temple to witness the festival. As reported by News 18, Basavaraj, a VHP worker, said that “For many years, before the Rathotsava, there was a bad practice of reciting the Quran. This practice of hurting Hindu sentiments has been taking place. This must stop this year. Not Quran but Narayan Stotra must be recited in front of the temple. Hence, in order to put an end to this practice, the VHP and Bajrang Dal staged protests. Rathotsav will take place on April 4 and the ritual must stop this year on April 3 itself".
Santosh Kenchamba, the founder of Rashtra Dharma Sangatan, reportedly said that “Our Sanatana Dharma dates back to 5,000 years. They could not take us down using a sword but their ideological attack is taking place. The same ideological attack is taking place at Channakeshava premises as well. This temple was built in 1117AD and in 1932 this practice of reciting the Quran started. Back then, they used to do it in some corner now they have started in front of the chariot."
The recent cycle of venomous Islamophobic and anti-Muslim political rhetoric has incited violence against members of the Muslim community. With the month of Ramadan being celebrated, the Muslim community remains the target of horrific incidents, discrimination, and violence because of their religion. The current atmosphere is such that Muslims in India will remain on edge till Eid approaches, as many instances of state-sanction organised crimes will be reported.
It is said that during the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast to feel the step out of their usual routines and reflect on the suffering of the ones less fortunate that them. It is sad to see the pure intention behind this month being overshadowed by the saffron terror, to see extremist fan the hate and violence.
Related:
Why did Delhi Police deny permission for Ram Navami procession in Jahangirpuri?
MP, UP: incidents of hate, intolerance and violence against Muslims reported from both states
Bilkis Bano gang rape convict shares stage with BJP MP, MLA: Gujarat
Family of Momeen, arrested for posting whatsapp status for Aurangzeb, forced to leave village
Rising Intolerance in Maharashtra: 2 Muslim boys arrested for putting a status on Aurangzeb
Maharashtra: Vitriolic speaker from Gujarat calls for economic boycott of Muslims in Mira-Bhayandar
CJP’s PIL seeking directions for established law & procedure on religious processions: A Factsheet
Open display of “welcome to Akhand Hindu Rashtra” accepted while “discomfort” over Namaz being offered in basement, is this the New India?
Muslims on edge during Ramadan as multiple incidents of violence, abuse and intimidation are being reported
Days after Ramadan started in India and worldwide, several instances of targeting and intimidating Muslims have been reported. Stopping them from offering Namaaz, and subjecting them to violence and abuse. Many attempts are being made to cause disharmony amongst communities, to provoke individuals from the majority and minority communities as both celebrate their own cultural festivals, with Ram Navami being just around the corner. Extremist Hindutva outfits and their local supports are resorting to petty and offensive tactics to otherise the Muslim community. One such example are the objectionable banners, saying "Welcome to Akhand Hindu Rashtra", being put up by the Hindutva outfits at various areas, but especially those areas which are either sensitive or Muslim populated. One such banner has been put up by the extremist Bajrang Dal at Sangam Nagar Wadala in East Mumbai.
The post can be viewed here:
An objectionable banner saying "Welcome to Akhand Hindu Rashtra" put up by Bajrang Dal at Sangam Nagar Wadala in East Mumbai. @MumbaiPolice Kindly take action on this. pic.twitter.com/777qMElh8Y
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) March 28, 2023
Another such banner, saying “Jai Hindu Rashtra”, has been put up in Sarafa Bazaar, Khargone. Khargone in Madhya Pradesh is the same area where during Ram Navami last year, the atmosphere had become communal and a Muslim man was murdered by a Hindu mob. Hate-offender Kapil Mishra’s speech and inciteful words had been the driving force behind this communal hatred. Later, the government had also attacked Muslims collectively by bulldozing their homes and properties. And now, in this communally sensitive area, the aforementioned offensive and instigating banners have been displayed at 4 places, i.e. two in Talab Chowk and two in Sarafa Bazar. It is important to be noted that while this is taking place near the Talab Chowk police station, no action has yet been taken by the police against the perpetrators.
The post can be viewed here:
During Ram Navami last year, the atmosphere in Khargone became communal, where a Muslim man allegedly murdered by a hindu mob. Later, the government attacked Muslims collectively by bulldozing their homes and properties. An objectionable banner with the words "Jai Hindu Rashtra" pic.twitter.com/Vcy0hKWhui
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) March 28, 2023
In another such instance of intolerance and hatred, in the beginning of this week, the locals in Greater Noida showed discomfort and created a ruckus against the happening of congregational prayers in the basement of a building. Not so surprisingly, the police resolved this issue by asking the Muslims to remove the tent and stop praying there. The video of this incident is now going viral online, where a group of people can be seen at the entrance of the society, and the police can be seen arriving later.
The video can be viewed here:
Members of a housing society in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, raised a commotion after it was discovered that some Muslims were praying in the building's basement. Police have solved the majority community problem by taking down the tent that was built for prayer. pic.twitter.com/gmlgqvw0Df
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) March 27, 2023
A video showing the tent that got removed by the residents was also shared later on social media and can be viewed here:
The tent that was disturbing them so badly that they lost sleep over it. pic.twitter.com/5wBcHEeiON
— Drunk Journalist (@drunkJournalist) March 27, 2023
On March 26, an incident of brutal abuse was reported in Maharashtra. In the aforementioned incident, an Imam leading prayer at a mosque in Maharashtra's Anwa village was assaulted by unidentified individuals who entered the place of worship and beat him up for refusing to chant "Jai Shri Ram." According to India Today, the incident occurred on Sunday at around 7.30 p.m. while the Imam was sitting inside the mosque reading the Quran. When the Imam refused to do as he was told, three individuals beat him outside the mosque. According to the report, the Imam claimed that his assailants used a chemical-laced cloth to make him unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he discovered his beard had been severed. A video of the Imam being taken to the hospital has gone viral on social media.
According to India Today, the Imam was first rushed to a government hospital in Sillod. He was later transferred to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Aurangabad, where he is receiving treatment.
According to India Today, after the incident was reported, police arrived at Anwar village, where the mosque is located, and began investigating the incident. A case was registered at the Paradh police station in Bhokardan against the unidentified individuals under Sections 452 (trespassing after preparation for hurt, assault), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 34 (criminal act by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The video of the Imam being take to the hospital can be viewed here:
Location: Anwa, Jalna district, Maharashtra
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 28, 2023
A Muslim cleric leading prayers at a mosque was thrashed, his beard cut by attackers for refusing to chant Jai Shri Ram. pic.twitter.com/P97J0dqB0f
In a separate incident on March 26, members of the far-right Bajrang Dal shouted anti-Muslim slogans in front of a Mosque and Madrassa during a rally. Stone pelting was reported in the area. The incident took place in Tele village in Ramgarh, Rajasthan, where the mob was seen carrying saffron flags, wearing saffron scarfs, and using abusive language and anti-Muslim slurs while shouting 'Jai Shree Ram'.
The video can be viewed here:
Location: Tele village, Ramgarh, Rajasthan
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 28, 2023
On March 26, during a rally, members of the far-right Bajrang Dal raised objectionable slogans against Muslims in front of the Mosque and Madarasa.
Stone pelting reported from the area. pic.twitter.com/0j907TZuGu…
On March 28, in Karnataka, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had carried out protest in Hassan's Belur opposing the decades old ritual of reciting Quran during historical Chennakeshava Rathotsava, and raised demands of the said ritual being discounted. The Hindu outfits have maintained since a few years that the ritual should not be observed as it is “against the Hindu religion”. During the said procession, a Muslim youth allegedly shouted Quran Zindabad, which led to commotion. The Bajrang Dal and Hindu activists questioned the youth and surrounded him. The situation turned serious when the youth got into an argument with the agitators. Later, he was chased by protesters. Meanwhile, another group of agitators blocked the road. The cops then intervened and took control of the situation by, ironically, arresting the Muslim individual and taking him away.
A video of the mob surrounding the police van and sloganeering can be viewed here:
#BajrangDal carried out protest in #Hassan's belur opposing decades old ritual of reciting #Quran during Chennakeshava Rathotsava.During the procession,a #Muslim youth allegedly shouted Quran Zindabad. This led to commotion.Cops took him away to control the situation. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/fK9lnNSK8D
— Imran Khan (@KeypadGuerilla) March 28, 2023
The Rathotsav will take place on April 4 and 5 in Belur during which a tradition is followed wherein the Hindu festival begins with a recitation of the Quran. Lakhs of devotees throng to the temple to witness the festival. As reported by News 18, Basavaraj, a VHP worker, said that “For many years, before the Rathotsava, there was a bad practice of reciting the Quran. This practice of hurting Hindu sentiments has been taking place. This must stop this year. Not Quran but Narayan Stotra must be recited in front of the temple. Hence, in order to put an end to this practice, the VHP and Bajrang Dal staged protests. Rathotsav will take place on April 4 and the ritual must stop this year on April 3 itself".
Santosh Kenchamba, the founder of Rashtra Dharma Sangatan, reportedly said that “Our Sanatana Dharma dates back to 5,000 years. They could not take us down using a sword but their ideological attack is taking place. The same ideological attack is taking place at Channakeshava premises as well. This temple was built in 1117AD and in 1932 this practice of reciting the Quran started. Back then, they used to do it in some corner now they have started in front of the chariot."
The recent cycle of venomous Islamophobic and anti-Muslim political rhetoric has incited violence against members of the Muslim community. With the month of Ramadan being celebrated, the Muslim community remains the target of horrific incidents, discrimination, and violence because of their religion. The current atmosphere is such that Muslims in India will remain on edge till Eid approaches, as many instances of state-sanction organised crimes will be reported.
It is said that during the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast to feel the step out of their usual routines and reflect on the suffering of the ones less fortunate that them. It is sad to see the pure intention behind this month being overshadowed by the saffron terror, to see extremist fan the hate and violence.
Related:
Why did Delhi Police deny permission for Ram Navami procession in Jahangirpuri?
MP, UP: incidents of hate, intolerance and violence against Muslims reported from both states
Bilkis Bano gang rape convict shares stage with BJP MP, MLA: Gujarat
Family of Momeen, arrested for posting whatsapp status for Aurangzeb, forced to leave village
Rising Intolerance in Maharashtra: 2 Muslim boys arrested for putting a status on Aurangzeb
Maharashtra: Vitriolic speaker from Gujarat calls for economic boycott of Muslims in Mira-Bhayandar
CJP’s PIL seeking directions for established law & procedure on religious processions: A Factsheet
Related Articles
Theme
Campaigns
Videos
Archives
Archives
Podcasts
Why did Delhi Police deny permission for Ram Navami procession in Jahangirpuri?
Ram Navami is going to be celebrated on March 30, however Delhi police wants to avoid a law and order situation in Jahangirpuri, given its ugly past
Representation Image
Delhi Police denied permission for ‘Shree Ram Bhagwan Pratima Yatra’ on Ram Navami proposed for March 30 in Jahangirpuri. The DCP, North west Delhi responded to a request seeking permission for the same and denied the permission citing law and order issues.
Why could there be a law and order situation?
Communal clashes allegedly broke out during a procession in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri area on April 16, 2022. Violence broke out in the area when a religious procession of the majority community made its way past a mosque on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Nine people, including eight police personnel, were injured during the violence. It is alleged that procession participants allegedly chanted abusive slogans, entered a mosque during namaz and tried to plant a saffron flag inside.
The violence was followed by an "anti-encroachment drive" in the area. The local civic body, which is run by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said the drive was launched to clear illegal constructions in the area. But Muslims say their properties were disproportionately targeted and they also questioned the timing of the drive, which continued for an hour after the Supreme Court gave an interim order to stop it.
What happened in the Jahangirpuri violence case?
Further, in a chargesheet filed on July 14 and July 28, 2022, before the court of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Rohini, the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police have confirmed that members of the Shobha Yatra passing through Jahangirpuri on Hanuman Jayanti were indeed armed.
In the chargesheet it was further stated that the accused (attackers) were active on a Whatsapp group where they shared “hate speech messages against the other community/religion”, and that the group was called “Kabutar Sell Group”. Police named Tabrez Ansari as the main accused in the case. The chargesheet names 37 people who were arrested.
Charges have been filed under Section 307 (attempt to murder), Section 120 B (criminal conspiracy), Section 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), Section 186 IPC (voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions), Section 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) Section 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), Section 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) Section 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house) Section 147 (Punishment for rioting) Section 148 (Rioting, armed with a deadly weapon) Section 149 (Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of the offence committed in prosecution of common object) and Section 427 (Mischief causing damage) of the Indian Penal Code(IPC) and under various provisions of Arms Act.
Sessions judge had pulled up Delhi Police
The Court of Additional Sessions Judge Gagandeep Singh in May 2022 held that prima facie the case reflected that the local staff of the Jahangirpuri police station, led by inspector Rajiv Ranjan as well as other officials, were accompanying the allegedly illegal procession on its route, instead of stopping it.
The police even admitted that the procession had no permission from the police.
The Sessions judge had observed that the riot was a result of the failure of police officials in preventing the riots and noted, “It reflects the utter failure on the part of local police in stopping the said procession having no permission. The issue seems to have been simply brushed aside by the senior officers. The liability on the part of the concerned officials needs to be fixed so that in future no such incident takes place and the police is not complacent in preventing the illegal activities.”
Clearly, the Delhi Police was openly called out by the Sessions Judge for not doing their job and instead accompanying the illegal procession that had no permission from the Police. To avoid any such lapse from their part, the north-west Delhi police has, this year, decided to act in the interest of law and order.
Related:
Jahangirpuri demolition drive: Brinda Karat walks the talk yet again!
Eye witness account from the broken heart of Jahangirpuri
Jahangirpuri: Navika Kumar, Anjana Om Kashyap demolish media credibility further
SC orders status quo on demolitions in Jahangirpuri
Jahangirpuri: Hindu, Muslim citizens take out peace march holding Tricolour
Why did Delhi Police deny permission for Ram Navami procession in Jahangirpuri?
Ram Navami is going to be celebrated on March 30, however Delhi police wants to avoid a law and order situation in Jahangirpuri, given its ugly past
Representation Image
Delhi Police denied permission for ‘Shree Ram Bhagwan Pratima Yatra’ on Ram Navami proposed for March 30 in Jahangirpuri. The DCP, North west Delhi responded to a request seeking permission for the same and denied the permission citing law and order issues.
Why could there be a law and order situation?
Communal clashes allegedly broke out during a procession in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri area on April 16, 2022. Violence broke out in the area when a religious procession of the majority community made its way past a mosque on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Nine people, including eight police personnel, were injured during the violence. It is alleged that procession participants allegedly chanted abusive slogans, entered a mosque during namaz and tried to plant a saffron flag inside.
The violence was followed by an "anti-encroachment drive" in the area. The local civic body, which is run by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said the drive was launched to clear illegal constructions in the area. But Muslims say their properties were disproportionately targeted and they also questioned the timing of the drive, which continued for an hour after the Supreme Court gave an interim order to stop it.
What happened in the Jahangirpuri violence case?
Further, in a chargesheet filed on July 14 and July 28, 2022, before the court of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Rohini, the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police have confirmed that members of the Shobha Yatra passing through Jahangirpuri on Hanuman Jayanti were indeed armed.
In the chargesheet it was further stated that the accused (attackers) were active on a Whatsapp group where they shared “hate speech messages against the other community/religion”, and that the group was called “Kabutar Sell Group”. Police named Tabrez Ansari as the main accused in the case. The chargesheet names 37 people who were arrested.
Charges have been filed under Section 307 (attempt to murder), Section 120 B (criminal conspiracy), Section 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), Section 186 IPC (voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions), Section 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) Section 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), Section 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) Section 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house) Section 147 (Punishment for rioting) Section 148 (Rioting, armed with a deadly weapon) Section 149 (Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of the offence committed in prosecution of common object) and Section 427 (Mischief causing damage) of the Indian Penal Code(IPC) and under various provisions of Arms Act.
Sessions judge had pulled up Delhi Police
The Court of Additional Sessions Judge Gagandeep Singh in May 2022 held that prima facie the case reflected that the local staff of the Jahangirpuri police station, led by inspector Rajiv Ranjan as well as other officials, were accompanying the allegedly illegal procession on its route, instead of stopping it.
The police even admitted that the procession had no permission from the police.
The Sessions judge had observed that the riot was a result of the failure of police officials in preventing the riots and noted, “It reflects the utter failure on the part of local police in stopping the said procession having no permission. The issue seems to have been simply brushed aside by the senior officers. The liability on the part of the concerned officials needs to be fixed so that in future no such incident takes place and the police is not complacent in preventing the illegal activities.”
Clearly, the Delhi Police was openly called out by the Sessions Judge for not doing their job and instead accompanying the illegal procession that had no permission from the Police. To avoid any such lapse from their part, the north-west Delhi police has, this year, decided to act in the interest of law and order.
Related:
Jahangirpuri demolition drive: Brinda Karat walks the talk yet again!
Eye witness account from the broken heart of Jahangirpuri
Jahangirpuri: Navika Kumar, Anjana Om Kashyap demolish media credibility further
SC orders status quo on demolitions in Jahangirpuri
Jahangirpuri: Hindu, Muslim citizens take out peace march holding Tricolour
Related Articles
Theme
Campaigns
Videos
Archives
Archives
Podcasts
Kajal Hindusthani, Kapil Mishra, amongst others, target Muslim religious minorities, calls for their “erasure” and “Ghar Wapasi” unchallenged
These hate speeches were made at the “Hindu conclave”, organised by Digital Hindu Bhopal, a convention of Madhya Pradesh (MP)’s supremacist social media influencers held to further Hindutva agenda of establishing Hindu Rashtra
On March 18, a Digital Hindu Conclave was organised in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. This Hindu conclave, knows as the Digital Hindu Bhopal, was a convention of state’s nationalist social media influencers, which was held at RGPV Naronha Academy in the city. Several provocative and divisive hate speeches were made here. Many “popular” far-right hate speakers found themselves on the invitation list. That this meet and similar conclaves have the backing of the political regime in Delhi is clear from the active participation of elected officials and even ministers of the MP government.
On Saturday March 25, BJP national co-organisational general secretary Shiv Prakash, state organisational general secretary Hitanand Sharma, State BJP president VD Sharma, medical education minister Vishvas Sarang had inaugurated the Digital Hindu Bhopal convention at RCPV Noronha Academy of administration in the state capital. The Madhya Pradesh state BJP incharge, Murlidhar Rao, had fanned public hysteria, unsubstantiated by fact, stating that after Independence the Muslim population, mosques and number of namazis (faithful from the Muslim community) had increased. “This is a demonstrative example. Hence, no country in the world has the right to teach a lesson to India,” he said, as was reported by the Free Press Journal.
He added that if social media had not existed, the Hindutava revolution would have taken another 30 years to take shape, and that a true Hindu would never oppose Muslims. If Islam eradicates Kafir ideology, only Hindus will be able to coexist peacefully with Muslims around the world, he claims.
He accused the Congress of severing the country from its cultural values while supporting Love Jihad and Land Jihad, and shed light on “diversity.” Referring to BJP MLA Vishnu Khatri's long struggle to rename Islam Nagar Jagdishpur, he claimed that the Congress never stated that Aurangzeb was the country's enemy. "If the effigy of Ravana, a Hindu and learned man, is burned every year, why not of Aurangzeb?" he asked, as reported by the Free press Journal.
VD Sharma, the state BJP president, also chastised Rahul Gandhi for claiming that he was not permitted to speak in Parliament. Cultural terrorism, according to Minister Vishvas Sarang, is today's most serious problem. He emphasised the importance of preserving the country's culture through social media. Hitanand Sharma also shared his thoughts.
Shivprakash, general Secretary of the national BJP, stated that anti-national forces have adopted a new weapon in the form of social media to spread their narrative. Their principles remain the same, but their appearance and language have changed. They are fighting with the help of social media. "Their conspiracy must be addressed through social media," he added.
The speakers at the event
In addition to the above mentioned speeches made by BJP functionaries, star hate offenders like as Kajal Hindusthani (alias Kajal Shingala) and BJP leader Kapil Mishra, famed for his Goli Maro Salo ko remark on peaceful Shaheen Bagh protesters were prominent participants.
A Gujarat resident, Kajal Singhala also known as Kajal Hindustani, who calls herself an activist, has, in the past, delivered hate speech against the Muslim community at Mira Bhayandar, Mumbai. At the event on March 12, she had made aggressive calls for the economic boycott of the entire Muslim community while unabashedly making ridiculous claims about incidents of Love jihad, land jihad and justifying the economic boycott of Muslims. Before this, the hate offender, who purports to be working for the cause of 'Hindu human rights,' was a keynote speaker at the Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha on February 26, where she made extremely derogatory remarks about the Muslim community in front of an audience of over 1,500 people.
Making exaggerated and misleading statements, she said that "In Navi Mumbai, land jihad has become so prevalent that today 25 Bangladeshi Muslims live in one room." Making an unconstitutional call, that violates Article 14, 15 and she urged people to boycott Muslim vendors. Hindusthani falsely claimed that they (Muslims) have taken over our produce and fruit markets. I want you to repeat after me: "We, the people of Maharashtra, will boycott them economically."
Then again today, March 29, at Jamnagar, Gujarat the very same Kajal Shingala aka Kajal Hindusthani delivered anti-Muslim hate speech, peddling conspiracy theories to destroy communal harmony. Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal organised the event.
Location: Jamnagar, Gujarat
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 29, 2023
Kajal Shingala aka Kajal Hindusthani delivers anti-Muslim hate speech, peddling conspiracy theories to destroy communal harmony.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal organized the event. pic.twitter.com/6925pkijhZ
BJP leader and hate offender Kapil Mishra, apart from 2020, made his last vocal hate speech on April 10, 2022, during the occasion of Ram Navami, was also a speaker at this event. Kapil Mishra has been one of the most well-known mainstream politicians who is often the first to comment with a communal tone and intent. Even in the year 2020, it was Mishra’s words spoken at a pro-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rally at Maujpur that had led to the most brutal targeted violence in East Delhi on February 23.
The intention behind organizing this digital event was clear from a profile of the list of speakers. At the event, Mishra, Kajal Shingala, and far-right author Kshitij Patukale made specifically stigmatizing statements, compared religious minorities to snakes, distorted history by calling for violence as the only way to achieve ‘Akhand’ Bharat, and raised the issue of Love Jihad.
A transcript of the speeches made by her, a resident of Gujarat, are given below:
Kajal Shingala aka Kajal Hindusthani
Kajal Shingala delivered hate speech targeting Muslims, where she eulogised violence. In her speech, Shingala said that there can never be brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims, and called out those who support secularism and peace between the two communities as a “sinking ship”. She stressed that the making of the Hindu Rashtra is inevitable and no one can stop them.
Without mentioning names, Shingala referred to Shah Rukh Khan’s recent visit to Vaishno Devi temple, before the release of his movie Pathaan, as well as Aamir Khan’s photograph doing Kalash pooja, and said that “Ghar Vaapsi” will be performed on all such non-Hindus. “Ghar Vaapsi” is a Hindutva programme meant to convert those belonging to other religions to Hinduism. it is conducted by right-wing organsations Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bajrang Dal, and their allies. Through her speech, she spread misinformation regarding the property controlled by Waqf Board and alleged that the Waqf board is forcibly snatching land from the Hindus.
She also spoke highly about the bulldozer culture introduced by the Ajay Bisght/Adityanath-led government while praising the ongoing demolition in Gujarat.
The speech:
“Now when I talk about Hindu nation, those who are watching this clip and have “sulemani” germs in the stomach will get cramps. Those people say that they will not let India turn into a Hindu nation. To them, I just want to say that you people also used to say that we will not let Ram temple be built, and now look at it.” (Time stamp- 0:00-0:20)
“I saw the photos of Ram Mandir a few days ago. You used to say that we won’t let Article 370 be removed, and yet, it was removed. I am telling you that we will ensure that India gets declared as a Hindu nation. It is a Hindu nation already, but now it will get declared.” (Time stamp- 0:20-0:36)
“There are people now are worshipping Mahadev now, Bolly people who go to Vaishno devi temple, some of them even do “Kalash Puja”, all these will undergo “Ghar waapsi”.” (Time stamp- 0:36-0:48)
“Lord Krishna himself said that whoever is with the religion, they are “Dharmi”, but those who are not siding with the religion, they are “a-dharmi”. So, all those who come in the way of religion, they all will be cleaned out of the way. These people might be our own or someone else, they will all be destroyed.” (Time stamp- 0:48-1:04)
“The chale ithaas likhne, mrityu se ghabra gaye ho,
Chahta balidan hai ran, aur tum ghar ko aa gaye ho.
Yeh ahinsa matr bharm hai, shtruyon ka jaal hai yeh,
Maan lo tum baat meri, Hinduon ka kaal hai yeh.
Yadi ahinsya pujya hoti, shri Krishna kyu gita sunate,
Aur shanti hetu youdh nishchit, bhed kyu humko batate.
Kayaro ke bhaanti tum kyu yudh se katra rahe ho,
Chahta balidan hai ran, aur tum ghar ko aa gaye ho.
Soo rahe hai jo abhi tak darp saare jaag jae,
Ab utho toh ghosh karo ki sarp saare bhaag jae.
Yeh samay sangram ka hai, tum svayum se takra rahe ho,
Chahta balidan hai ran, aur tum ghar ko aa gaye ho.
Bhaed saare bhul kar varna saare bhul kar, socho ki hum ek hai
Bheej lo sab muthiyan, bolo ki hindu ek hai.
(You have to re-write history, but you are afraid of death,
The sacrifice is to be made, and you have come home.
This non-violence is just a myth, it is a web of chains of the enemies,
Just listen to what I am saying, this is the time of Hindus.
If non-violence were revered, why would Shri Krishna sing the Gita?
And if the war would have been won by peace, then why did you tell us the difference?
Why are you shying away from war like coward?
The sacrifice is to be made, and you have come home.
All those who are sleeping, may they wake up,
Now get up and announce that the snake will run away.
This is the time for struggle and you are clashing with yourself,
The sacrifice is to be made, and you have come home.
Forget all that segregates us, all the hierarchies and the separation, and think we are one
Raise all fists, say Hindus are one.)” (Time stamp- 1:04-2:07)
“We should have a very clear mindset now, either you can ride in the boat of a Muslim or a Hindu. If you say that I will keep one foot on the Muslim boat and the other one on the Hindu boat, then it is guaranteed that you will drown. You can ride two boats at a time, just as there cannot be two swords in the same field.” (Time stamp- 2:08-2:33)
“Those who preach the message of brotherhood, I want to tell them they openly killed Kanhaiya lal, is this brotherhood? They are still sloganeering regarding Nupur Sharma, saying “Gustakh -E- Nabi Ki Aik Saza Sar Tan Se Juda,” is this brotherhood?” (Time stamp- 2:33-2:47)
If this is brotherhood, then I want to say that
“Jab jihadi khulam khula talware leharate ho,
Aur humari yatraon par patthar fenke jaate ho,
Jab inke bhopu din mei 5 baar chillate ho,
Aur chalisa padhne wale jail mei daale jaate ho,
Jab mancho se shiv Shankar ka mazak udhaya jaata ho
Aur pratikaal karne wale ke sarr tan se juda kiye jaate ho,
Peedha kahugi har hindu ki aur har jihadi ka kratiya kahugi,
Bhaadh mei jae bhaichaara, mai toh keval satya kahugi.
(When jihadis openly wave swords,
And stones are thrown at our rallies and yatras,
When their loud speakers screams 5 times a day,
And those who read the Chalisa are put in jail,
When Shiv Shankar is mocked from the stage
And the ones who say anything have slogans of death raised against them,
I will say that I will put forth every problem faced by Hindu and call every jihadi a criminal.
Damn with the brotherhood, I will only tell the truth.)” (Time stamp- 2:47-3:19)
“How did Islamic illegal capture increase in India? The PFI has already said that by 2047, they have to make India an Islamic state, even though the said PFI have already banned them. But who put this in their mind? It must have come from some Jama Masjid in India, the Jama Masjid must have set this agenda that they need to convert India into an Islamic state before 2047. (Time stamp- 3:19-3:45)
“What do they need to do for that? Commit love-jihad, illegal capture of land in the name of Waqf Board, commit forced religious conversions. This is just the preview of how these people want to take over India as they say “Ladh ke liya Pakistan aur hass ke lenge Hindustan”. In the name of waqf board, they are taking over our land.” (Time stamp- 3:45-4:04)
“In Tamil Nadu, there is this village called Tiruchendur, wherein the waqf board is establishing claim on a Chandraswami temple that has been there for 1600 years. These people themselves came here around 1400 years ago, how is this land yours?” (Time stamp- 4:05-4:23)
This waqf board and these encroachment agencies are very fond of poetry, so I thought that okay maybe I should also write two lines for them:
“Kahi flyover, kahi roadways, kahi railway aur kahi defense ki zameen kabzate hai
Yuhi nahi hari chaddhar oudh kar yeh peer baba bann jaate hai”
(Somewhere flyovers, some roadways, somewhere railways and some defense lands are occupied.
That is how they suddenly start wearing the green supatta and become the messenger of God)"
(Time stamp- 4:23-4:44)
“At every place, these people have encroached upon lands illegally. If you look at it carefully, after the defense and the railways, it is the waqf board that has the most space.” (Time stamp- 4:45-4:56)
“Because we were just talking about the Islamic illegal capture, it makes me really happy to tell you that there has been a very long struggle for the Hindus of Gujarat in regards to the Dwarka district which was the land of our Krishna. On Dwarka, there had been a lot of Islamic illegal capture. Since last 4 months, the bulldozer has been working there and a lakh acre land is now Islamic illegal encroachment free.” (Time stamp- 4:56-5:26)
“This ongoing demolition is the biggest demolition in the whole of India.even in our history there has not been such a big demolition.” (Time stamp- 5:26- 5:35)
The video can be viewed here:
Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 26, 2023
Kajal Shingala aka Kajal Hindusthani delivered hate speech targeting Muslims, where she eulogized violence and said there could never be brotherhood between Muslims and Hindus.
She was speaking at the Digital Hindu Conclave on March 18. pic.twitter.com/0AUGWuUU8i
BJP Leader Kapil Mishra
BJP leader Kapil Mishra spoke about ‘Love Jihad’. Taking the recent murder of Shraddha Walker, whose live-in partner Aftab Poonawala stored her chopped body in a refrigerator, he attacked the Muslim community and their festival of Ramazan. Weaponising the issue of inter-faith marriages, which the Hindutva outfits refer to as Love-Jihad, Mishra tried to instigate the audience.
The speech:
“This Bollywood teaches us to not waste water on the occasion of Holi. The day that you and I become one, the Bollywood will start advertising that on this Ramzan, keep fruits in your fridge and not Shradhha.” (Timestamp- 0:00- 0:38)
“The issue of love-jihad in India is so widespread that there is no district no village left where the conspiracy of love jihad is not happening with our daughters. And even after this, we are the ones who are question on why we even talk on the issue of love-jihad.” (Timestamp- 0:39- 0:55)
“What is solution? The only solution is if you take a pledge in your mind that a daughter is not only one person’s daughter, she is everyone’s daughter. Just like Mother India is everyone’s mother, even when we have our own mothers. Similar to that, a daughter is everyone’s daughter.” (Timestamp- 0:55- 1:22)
“A daughter is a connection. Only when u start thinking that the daughter who is going is also my daughter, her honor is also my responsibility, only then will we have the half solution to this problem.”
(Timestamp- 1:22- 1:36)
The video can be viewed here:
BJP leader Kapil Mishra made hateful remarks against Muslims and peddled the conspiracy theory of “love jihad.” pic.twitter.com/W3G2DZCwz6
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 26, 2023
Kshitij Patukale
Far-right author Kshitij Patukale weaponised and misappropriated our history and called for revenge. To invoke the feelings of the audience, the speaker said that the Hindus should take revenge for the Hindu women that have alleged been raped in Kabul, Iran and Iraq.
The speech:
“Ramdas Swami has said that keep you god on your head, and then raise a storm. If the need comes, you must destroy your own country too. But, to protect religion, one must do whatever it needed.”
(Time stamp- 0:00- 0:37)
“The current time is utterly unique. Today I feel like this slavery is not just of 300-400 years, but has lasted for 1200 years. Sometimes I feel that the rapes that happened with our women, our daughters and sisters, in the markets of Kabul, or in the cities of Iran and Iraq, or by the Arabian people, that lasted for years, I want to take revenge over that.” (Time stamp- 0:37- 1:10)
“In the morning, we were talking about love. In Maharashtra, there is a prominent poet who wrote about Lord Krishna, and said that one must love everyone, even the ones that you want to hurt. Love is such only that the same Duryodhan that you want to love, you should also kill him if it comes to it.” (Time stamp- 1:10- 1:38)
“Why is our Prime Minister getting entertained everywhere in the world? It is only because we are the youngest country and have the youngest people. It is you young people that are going to rule the whole world. I want to tell you all today that out of these 140 crore people in India, 110 crore are Hindu, and 70% of them are below 40 or 35.” (Time stamp- 1:38- 2:05)
“This means that 77 crore or 80 crore Hindu youth, and the world population is 800 crore. 10% world population is Hindu youth. And if we strengthen this percentage by teaching them about Hindu knowledge and Indian culture, then you people will rule the whole world.” (Time stamp- 2:05- 2:32)
“The average age of USA is 40-50, in Europe is 70, and in Japan, no kids are being born. Even in China, the average age is between the ages of 45-50. But, the average age in India is 24. If we look at the economics, in the year 2040, when USA’s average age will reach 75, Europe’s age average will be 90, and the average age in China will be above 65-70, India’s average age will only be 31.” (Time stamp- 2:32- 3:19)
“Then, at that time, the opportunity to rule the world will be with the younger generation of today.”
(Time stamp- 3:19- 3:29)
The video can be viewed here:
Far-right author Kshitij Patukale weaponized history and called for revenge. pic.twitter.com/Mdo3trdMP1
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 26, 2023
As citizens groups and individuals get increasingly concerned by this level of public discourse that legitimizes a narrative and creates the ground for stigmatizing and targeted violence, the dominant ruling regime openly patronises these tendencies. On the backfoot when it comes to forcefully countering hate, the political opposition is also wanting.
What are the forces and mobilisations that need to come together to effective counter and prevent the proliferation of hate?
Related:
MP, UP: incidents of hate, intolerance and violence against Muslims reported from both states
Bilkis Bano gang rape convict shares stage with BJP MP, MLA: Gujarat
Family of Momeen, arrested for posting whatsapp status for Aurangzeb, forced to leave village
Rising Intolerance in Maharashtra: 2 Muslim boys arrested for putting a status on Aurangzeb
Maharashtra: Vitriolic speaker from Gujarat calls for economic boycott of Muslims in Mira-Bhayandar
CJP’s PIL seeking directions for established law & procedure on religious processions: A Factsheet
Kajal Hindusthani, Kapil Mishra, amongst others, target Muslim religious minorities, calls for their “erasure” and “Ghar Wapasi” unchallenged
These hate speeches were made at the “Hindu conclave”, organised by Digital Hindu Bhopal, a convention of Madhya Pradesh (MP)’s supremacist social media influencers held to further Hindutva agenda of establishing Hindu Rashtra
On March 18, a Digital Hindu Conclave was organised in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. This Hindu conclave, knows as the Digital Hindu Bhopal, was a convention of state’s nationalist social media influencers, which was held at RGPV Naronha Academy in the city. Several provocative and divisive hate speeches were made here. Many “popular” far-right hate speakers found themselves on the invitation list. That this meet and similar conclaves have the backing of the political regime in Delhi is clear from the active participation of elected officials and even ministers of the MP government.
On Saturday March 25, BJP national co-organisational general secretary Shiv Prakash, state organisational general secretary Hitanand Sharma, State BJP president VD Sharma, medical education minister Vishvas Sarang had inaugurated the Digital Hindu Bhopal convention at RCPV Noronha Academy of administration in the state capital. The Madhya Pradesh state BJP incharge, Murlidhar Rao, had fanned public hysteria, unsubstantiated by fact, stating that after Independence the Muslim population, mosques and number of namazis (faithful from the Muslim community) had increased. “This is a demonstrative example. Hence, no country in the world has the right to teach a lesson to India,” he said, as was reported by the Free Press Journal.
He added that if social media had not existed, the Hindutava revolution would have taken another 30 years to take shape, and that a true Hindu would never oppose Muslims. If Islam eradicates Kafir ideology, only Hindus will be able to coexist peacefully with Muslims around the world, he claims.
He accused the Congress of severing the country from its cultural values while supporting Love Jihad and Land Jihad, and shed light on “diversity.” Referring to BJP MLA Vishnu Khatri's long struggle to rename Islam Nagar Jagdishpur, he claimed that the Congress never stated that Aurangzeb was the country's enemy. "If the effigy of Ravana, a Hindu and learned man, is burned every year, why not of Aurangzeb?" he asked, as reported by the Free press Journal.
VD Sharma, the state BJP president, also chastised Rahul Gandhi for claiming that he was not permitted to speak in Parliament. Cultural terrorism, according to Minister Vishvas Sarang, is today's most serious problem. He emphasised the importance of preserving the country's culture through social media. Hitanand Sharma also shared his thoughts.
Shivprakash, general Secretary of the national BJP, stated that anti-national forces have adopted a new weapon in the form of social media to spread their narrative. Their principles remain the same, but their appearance and language have changed. They are fighting with the help of social media. "Their conspiracy must be addressed through social media," he added.
The speakers at the event
In addition to the above mentioned speeches made by BJP functionaries, star hate offenders like as Kajal Hindusthani (alias Kajal Shingala) and BJP leader Kapil Mishra, famed for his Goli Maro Salo ko remark on peaceful Shaheen Bagh protesters were prominent participants.
A Gujarat resident, Kajal Singhala also known as Kajal Hindustani, who calls herself an activist, has, in the past, delivered hate speech against the Muslim community at Mira Bhayandar, Mumbai. At the event on March 12, she had made aggressive calls for the economic boycott of the entire Muslim community while unabashedly making ridiculous claims about incidents of Love jihad, land jihad and justifying the economic boycott of Muslims. Before this, the hate offender, who purports to be working for the cause of 'Hindu human rights,' was a keynote speaker at the Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha on February 26, where she made extremely derogatory remarks about the Muslim community in front of an audience of over 1,500 people.
Making exaggerated and misleading statements, she said that "In Navi Mumbai, land jihad has become so prevalent that today 25 Bangladeshi Muslims live in one room." Making an unconstitutional call, that violates Article 14, 15 and she urged people to boycott Muslim vendors. Hindusthani falsely claimed that they (Muslims) have taken over our produce and fruit markets. I want you to repeat after me: "We, the people of Maharashtra, will boycott them economically."
Then again today, March 29, at Jamnagar, Gujarat the very same Kajal Shingala aka Kajal Hindusthani delivered anti-Muslim hate speech, peddling conspiracy theories to destroy communal harmony. Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal organised the event.
Location: Jamnagar, Gujarat
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 29, 2023
Kajal Shingala aka Kajal Hindusthani delivers anti-Muslim hate speech, peddling conspiracy theories to destroy communal harmony.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal organized the event. pic.twitter.com/6925pkijhZ
BJP leader and hate offender Kapil Mishra, apart from 2020, made his last vocal hate speech on April 10, 2022, during the occasion of Ram Navami, was also a speaker at this event. Kapil Mishra has been one of the most well-known mainstream politicians who is often the first to comment with a communal tone and intent. Even in the year 2020, it was Mishra’s words spoken at a pro-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rally at Maujpur that had led to the most brutal targeted violence in East Delhi on February 23.
The intention behind organizing this digital event was clear from a profile of the list of speakers. At the event, Mishra, Kajal Shingala, and far-right author Kshitij Patukale made specifically stigmatizing statements, compared religious minorities to snakes, distorted history by calling for violence as the only way to achieve ‘Akhand’ Bharat, and raised the issue of Love Jihad.
A transcript of the speeches made by her, a resident of Gujarat, are given below:
Kajal Shingala aka Kajal Hindusthani
Kajal Shingala delivered hate speech targeting Muslims, where she eulogised violence. In her speech, Shingala said that there can never be brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims, and called out those who support secularism and peace between the two communities as a “sinking ship”. She stressed that the making of the Hindu Rashtra is inevitable and no one can stop them.
Without mentioning names, Shingala referred to Shah Rukh Khan’s recent visit to Vaishno Devi temple, before the release of his movie Pathaan, as well as Aamir Khan’s photograph doing Kalash pooja, and said that “Ghar Vaapsi” will be performed on all such non-Hindus. “Ghar Vaapsi” is a Hindutva programme meant to convert those belonging to other religions to Hinduism. it is conducted by right-wing organsations Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bajrang Dal, and their allies. Through her speech, she spread misinformation regarding the property controlled by Waqf Board and alleged that the Waqf board is forcibly snatching land from the Hindus.
She also spoke highly about the bulldozer culture introduced by the Ajay Bisght/Adityanath-led government while praising the ongoing demolition in Gujarat.
The speech:
“Now when I talk about Hindu nation, those who are watching this clip and have “sulemani” germs in the stomach will get cramps. Those people say that they will not let India turn into a Hindu nation. To them, I just want to say that you people also used to say that we will not let Ram temple be built, and now look at it.” (Time stamp- 0:00-0:20)
“I saw the photos of Ram Mandir a few days ago. You used to say that we won’t let Article 370 be removed, and yet, it was removed. I am telling you that we will ensure that India gets declared as a Hindu nation. It is a Hindu nation already, but now it will get declared.” (Time stamp- 0:20-0:36)
“There are people now are worshipping Mahadev now, Bolly people who go to Vaishno devi temple, some of them even do “Kalash Puja”, all these will undergo “Ghar waapsi”.” (Time stamp- 0:36-0:48)
“Lord Krishna himself said that whoever is with the religion, they are “Dharmi”, but those who are not siding with the religion, they are “a-dharmi”. So, all those who come in the way of religion, they all will be cleaned out of the way. These people might be our own or someone else, they will all be destroyed.” (Time stamp- 0:48-1:04)
“The chale ithaas likhne, mrityu se ghabra gaye ho,
Chahta balidan hai ran, aur tum ghar ko aa gaye ho.
Yeh ahinsa matr bharm hai, shtruyon ka jaal hai yeh,
Maan lo tum baat meri, Hinduon ka kaal hai yeh.
Yadi ahinsya pujya hoti, shri Krishna kyu gita sunate,
Aur shanti hetu youdh nishchit, bhed kyu humko batate.
Kayaro ke bhaanti tum kyu yudh se katra rahe ho,
Chahta balidan hai ran, aur tum ghar ko aa gaye ho.
Soo rahe hai jo abhi tak darp saare jaag jae,
Ab utho toh ghosh karo ki sarp saare bhaag jae.
Yeh samay sangram ka hai, tum svayum se takra rahe ho,
Chahta balidan hai ran, aur tum ghar ko aa gaye ho.
Bhaed saare bhul kar varna saare bhul kar, socho ki hum ek hai
Bheej lo sab muthiyan, bolo ki hindu ek hai.
(You have to re-write history, but you are afraid of death,
The sacrifice is to be made, and you have come home.
This non-violence is just a myth, it is a web of chains of the enemies,
Just listen to what I am saying, this is the time of Hindus.
If non-violence were revered, why would Shri Krishna sing the Gita?
And if the war would have been won by peace, then why did you tell us the difference?
Why are you shying away from war like coward?
The sacrifice is to be made, and you have come home.
All those who are sleeping, may they wake up,
Now get up and announce that the snake will run away.
This is the time for struggle and you are clashing with yourself,
The sacrifice is to be made, and you have come home.
Forget all that segregates us, all the hierarchies and the separation, and think we are one
Raise all fists, say Hindus are one.)” (Time stamp- 1:04-2:07)
“We should have a very clear mindset now, either you can ride in the boat of a Muslim or a Hindu. If you say that I will keep one foot on the Muslim boat and the other one on the Hindu boat, then it is guaranteed that you will drown. You can ride two boats at a time, just as there cannot be two swords in the same field.” (Time stamp- 2:08-2:33)
“Those who preach the message of brotherhood, I want to tell them they openly killed Kanhaiya lal, is this brotherhood? They are still sloganeering regarding Nupur Sharma, saying “Gustakh -E- Nabi Ki Aik Saza Sar Tan Se Juda,” is this brotherhood?” (Time stamp- 2:33-2:47)
If this is brotherhood, then I want to say that
“Jab jihadi khulam khula talware leharate ho,
Aur humari yatraon par patthar fenke jaate ho,
Jab inke bhopu din mei 5 baar chillate ho,
Aur chalisa padhne wale jail mei daale jaate ho,
Jab mancho se shiv Shankar ka mazak udhaya jaata ho
Aur pratikaal karne wale ke sarr tan se juda kiye jaate ho,
Peedha kahugi har hindu ki aur har jihadi ka kratiya kahugi,
Bhaadh mei jae bhaichaara, mai toh keval satya kahugi.
(When jihadis openly wave swords,
And stones are thrown at our rallies and yatras,
When their loud speakers screams 5 times a day,
And those who read the Chalisa are put in jail,
When Shiv Shankar is mocked from the stage
And the ones who say anything have slogans of death raised against them,
I will say that I will put forth every problem faced by Hindu and call every jihadi a criminal.
Damn with the brotherhood, I will only tell the truth.)” (Time stamp- 2:47-3:19)
“How did Islamic illegal capture increase in India? The PFI has already said that by 2047, they have to make India an Islamic state, even though the said PFI have already banned them. But who put this in their mind? It must have come from some Jama Masjid in India, the Jama Masjid must have set this agenda that they need to convert India into an Islamic state before 2047. (Time stamp- 3:19-3:45)
“What do they need to do for that? Commit love-jihad, illegal capture of land in the name of Waqf Board, commit forced religious conversions. This is just the preview of how these people want to take over India as they say “Ladh ke liya Pakistan aur hass ke lenge Hindustan”. In the name of waqf board, they are taking over our land.” (Time stamp- 3:45-4:04)
“In Tamil Nadu, there is this village called Tiruchendur, wherein the waqf board is establishing claim on a Chandraswami temple that has been there for 1600 years. These people themselves came here around 1400 years ago, how is this land yours?” (Time stamp- 4:05-4:23)
This waqf board and these encroachment agencies are very fond of poetry, so I thought that okay maybe I should also write two lines for them:
“Kahi flyover, kahi roadways, kahi railway aur kahi defense ki zameen kabzate hai
Yuhi nahi hari chaddhar oudh kar yeh peer baba bann jaate hai”
(Somewhere flyovers, some roadways, somewhere railways and some defense lands are occupied.
That is how they suddenly start wearing the green supatta and become the messenger of God)"
(Time stamp- 4:23-4:44)
“At every place, these people have encroached upon lands illegally. If you look at it carefully, after the defense and the railways, it is the waqf board that has the most space.” (Time stamp- 4:45-4:56)
“Because we were just talking about the Islamic illegal capture, it makes me really happy to tell you that there has been a very long struggle for the Hindus of Gujarat in regards to the Dwarka district which was the land of our Krishna. On Dwarka, there had been a lot of Islamic illegal capture. Since last 4 months, the bulldozer has been working there and a lakh acre land is now Islamic illegal encroachment free.” (Time stamp- 4:56-5:26)
“This ongoing demolition is the biggest demolition in the whole of India.even in our history there has not been such a big demolition.” (Time stamp- 5:26- 5:35)
The video can be viewed here:
Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 26, 2023
Kajal Shingala aka Kajal Hindusthani delivered hate speech targeting Muslims, where she eulogized violence and said there could never be brotherhood between Muslims and Hindus.
She was speaking at the Digital Hindu Conclave on March 18. pic.twitter.com/0AUGWuUU8i
BJP Leader Kapil Mishra
BJP leader Kapil Mishra spoke about ‘Love Jihad’. Taking the recent murder of Shraddha Walker, whose live-in partner Aftab Poonawala stored her chopped body in a refrigerator, he attacked the Muslim community and their festival of Ramazan. Weaponising the issue of inter-faith marriages, which the Hindutva outfits refer to as Love-Jihad, Mishra tried to instigate the audience.
The speech:
“This Bollywood teaches us to not waste water on the occasion of Holi. The day that you and I become one, the Bollywood will start advertising that on this Ramzan, keep fruits in your fridge and not Shradhha.” (Timestamp- 0:00- 0:38)
“The issue of love-jihad in India is so widespread that there is no district no village left where the conspiracy of love jihad is not happening with our daughters. And even after this, we are the ones who are question on why we even talk on the issue of love-jihad.” (Timestamp- 0:39- 0:55)
“What is solution? The only solution is if you take a pledge in your mind that a daughter is not only one person’s daughter, she is everyone’s daughter. Just like Mother India is everyone’s mother, even when we have our own mothers. Similar to that, a daughter is everyone’s daughter.” (Timestamp- 0:55- 1:22)
“A daughter is a connection. Only when u start thinking that the daughter who is going is also my daughter, her honor is also my responsibility, only then will we have the half solution to this problem.”
(Timestamp- 1:22- 1:36)
The video can be viewed here:
BJP leader Kapil Mishra made hateful remarks against Muslims and peddled the conspiracy theory of “love jihad.” pic.twitter.com/W3G2DZCwz6
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 26, 2023
Kshitij Patukale
Far-right author Kshitij Patukale weaponised and misappropriated our history and called for revenge. To invoke the feelings of the audience, the speaker said that the Hindus should take revenge for the Hindu women that have alleged been raped in Kabul, Iran and Iraq.
The speech:
“Ramdas Swami has said that keep you god on your head, and then raise a storm. If the need comes, you must destroy your own country too. But, to protect religion, one must do whatever it needed.”
(Time stamp- 0:00- 0:37)
“The current time is utterly unique. Today I feel like this slavery is not just of 300-400 years, but has lasted for 1200 years. Sometimes I feel that the rapes that happened with our women, our daughters and sisters, in the markets of Kabul, or in the cities of Iran and Iraq, or by the Arabian people, that lasted for years, I want to take revenge over that.” (Time stamp- 0:37- 1:10)
“In the morning, we were talking about love. In Maharashtra, there is a prominent poet who wrote about Lord Krishna, and said that one must love everyone, even the ones that you want to hurt. Love is such only that the same Duryodhan that you want to love, you should also kill him if it comes to it.” (Time stamp- 1:10- 1:38)
“Why is our Prime Minister getting entertained everywhere in the world? It is only because we are the youngest country and have the youngest people. It is you young people that are going to rule the whole world. I want to tell you all today that out of these 140 crore people in India, 110 crore are Hindu, and 70% of them are below 40 or 35.” (Time stamp- 1:38- 2:05)
“This means that 77 crore or 80 crore Hindu youth, and the world population is 800 crore. 10% world population is Hindu youth. And if we strengthen this percentage by teaching them about Hindu knowledge and Indian culture, then you people will rule the whole world.” (Time stamp- 2:05- 2:32)
“The average age of USA is 40-50, in Europe is 70, and in Japan, no kids are being born. Even in China, the average age is between the ages of 45-50. But, the average age in India is 24. If we look at the economics, in the year 2040, when USA’s average age will reach 75, Europe’s age average will be 90, and the average age in China will be above 65-70, India’s average age will only be 31.” (Time stamp- 2:32- 3:19)
“Then, at that time, the opportunity to rule the world will be with the younger generation of today.”
(Time stamp- 3:19- 3:29)
The video can be viewed here:
Far-right author Kshitij Patukale weaponized history and called for revenge. pic.twitter.com/Mdo3trdMP1
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) March 26, 2023
As citizens groups and individuals get increasingly concerned by this level of public discourse that legitimizes a narrative and creates the ground for stigmatizing and targeted violence, the dominant ruling regime openly patronises these tendencies. On the backfoot when it comes to forcefully countering hate, the political opposition is also wanting.
What are the forces and mobilisations that need to come together to effective counter and prevent the proliferation of hate?
Related:
MP, UP: incidents of hate, intolerance and violence against Muslims reported from both states
Bilkis Bano gang rape convict shares stage with BJP MP, MLA: Gujarat
Family of Momeen, arrested for posting whatsapp status for Aurangzeb, forced to leave village
Rising Intolerance in Maharashtra: 2 Muslim boys arrested for putting a status on Aurangzeb
Maharashtra: Vitriolic speaker from Gujarat calls for economic boycott of Muslims in Mira-Bhayandar
CJP’s PIL seeking directions for established law & procedure on religious processions: A Factsheet