Over 40 social rights group gathered at Ranchi, Jharkhand on April 25, 2022 to demand strict action against those who caused violence during recent Ram Navami.
Around 60 persons gathered at the Albert Ekka chowk on the call of the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha (JJM) to demand action from the Hemant Soren-led government against the communal instances in Koderma and Lohardaga. There were two incidents at Koderma where miscreants used abusive language against the Muslim community. Whereas in Lohardaga a person was lynched by a mob.
To retaliate against these hate crimes, citizens released a list of actions to be taken at the grassroot-level like pressuring the government and judiciary to correct this societal wrong. Further, they demanded non-police civil peace committees, mohallah and tola committees.
“There is a need to create the widest possible forum from the local-level to the national-level against the neo-humanist, capitalist, Hitlerism of the Sangh in the name of the so-called Hindu Rashtra,” said the JJM.
Members also said there is a need for a secular campaign under the central slogan of ‘humanity and harmony’. In it, Hindus must also be made aware of the ground reality. Activists argue that the concept of Hindutva is mainly a manuwadi hypothesis, in which Dalits and minorities are also being included. Under the long-term strategy, there is a need to start a socio-cultural discussion on anti-caste ideologies and ideologies like those of Periyar, Ambedkar and Adivasi leader Jaipal Singh Munda.
Other personalities like Adivasi Women’s Network leader Elina Horo, Father Tony of Bagaicha, Jharkhand Science Forum’s Sameer Das, Dr Kiran, Sajha Kadam for Pluralism and Diversity’s Praveer Peter.
All of them agreed that such incidents should be discussed to keep them from becoming the new ‘normal’ or ‘natural’. In line with this, forums need to be all-inclusive with Muslims, Hindus and other citizens speaking up on illegal administrative actions against Muslims.
Joining the protest, retired journalist Srinivas said, “He is concerned for the secular fabric of the nation, inspite of the central government claim for development of all ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’”
Retired Psychology Professor Renu Dewan too expressed anguish over the growing communal atmosphere, with a rising level of hatred against minorities. Jharkhand Kisan Parishad’s Ambika Yadav expressed dissatisfaction with the engagement of rural youth in Hindutva politics.
“It’s time that meetings and conscientious meetings are required to cleanse the saffron poison , which is divisive , and is very much against the secular tradition of the country,” he said.
Accordingly, the group demanded a campaign against the common practice of building temples in police stations. Short videos should provide an even narrative of hate incidents.
Groups also asked people not to use terms that enrage the masses or minorities. Still, the JJM called for an atmosphere of anti-Sangh social political solidarity in Jharkhand with slogans like “Jharkhandi against communal hatred and Markat.”
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