The Progressive Writers Association has expressed grave concern over the steady rise in anti-minority hatred and violence in Rajasthan in the last few months. The PWA, Delhi unit conference passed this resolution attended by close to 100 writers and poets at Macchadi, Alwar, Rajasthan. The resolution notes with great concern that atleast 15 such incidents have been reported in the last three months alone, ranging from hate speeches to acts of lynching by so-called 'gau-rakshaks'.

Secretary, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) Teesta Setalvad and CJP Trustee and IMSD Convenor Javed Anand attended the meet. CJP presented a table of hate events held all over Rajasthan over the past three months is Rajasthan to the gathetimg.

The rest of the text of the resolution may be read here:

“We strongly condemn these incidents of hate and violence, which are a threat to the very fabric of our society. We believe that these incidents are a calculated attempt to inflame passions and polarize society in the lead up to the Rajasthan assembly elections.

“We call upon all peace-loving and democratic-minded citizens of Rajasthan to join us in our condemnation of these incidents and demand from the state administration that :

1. Hate speech and incitement to violence be prosecuted according to the law, and those responsible should be brought to justice. 

2. The perpetrators of violence, regardless of their religion or political affiliations, should be identified and punished to the full extent of the law. 

3. Organizations that promote hate speech and call for violence should be taken to task and held accountable for their actions. 

4. The activities of self-proclaimed gau-rakshaks should be closely monitored by the authorities, and any illegal actions committed by them should be prosecuted without delay. 

5. Trishul-Diksha programs, which are being used to spread hate and incite violence, should be banned immediately.

6. That the spread of minority-targeting- disinformation and hate-speeches that crowd social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and whatsapp be curbed and action taken as per law. 

“We believe that these steps are necessary to prevent further incidents of hate and violence, and to ensure that all citizens are treated with respect and dignity. We call on the government to take swift and decisive action to implement these demands, and to work towards creating a society where all individuals are valued and protected, regardless of their religion, caste, or ethnicity.

“We also believe that the symbiotic relationship of minority communalism and majority communalism can not be ignored and call upon a cessation of hate-filled slogans at protest rallies and action against disinformation-led online campaigns that feed off the insecurities of our minorities and promote targeted acts of violence. 

“The scourge of sectarian hate is also directed at other disadvantaged groups including Christians and Dalits, who have also come under attack from divisive forces.  

“We appeal to all citizens of Rajasthan to come together to reject hatred and violence and to work towards building a society that is based on mutual respect, understanding, and compassion. We must all stand together to ensure that the values of peace, justice, and democracy prevail in our society, and that the constitutional values of equality, liberty, and fraternity are upheld.

The resolution was unanimously passed at the two-day Matsya Literature Festival, Progressive Writers Association, Delhi Unit. This meet was held in Machadi, Tehsil Raini, District Alwar on March 19, 2023.

The table compiled by CJP may be read here.

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