In its complaint, CJP referenced recent Supreme Court orders, emphasizing the need for immediate preventive actions in line with court rulings, especially to curb hate speech and prevent incitement to violence. The complaint urges the Goa Police to take pre-emptive measures, ensuring public safety and upholding communal harmony.

Urged Goa police to deny permission of the scheduled event

CJP, in its complaint, emphasizes the urgency of taking immediate action and raises concerns over the potential for communal speeches at the HJS’s Goa event. It calls for the cancellation of the event’s permission and states, “We urge you to deny permission for the scheduled January 25, 2025, at 5 PM event in Goa and set an example for the anti-social elements who are attempting to disturb communal peace and harmony. Furthermore, we request the police authorities to remain vigilant and ensure that the rally does not take place if the permission is denied.” 

The poster of the events can be found below:

Supreme Court also appeals for Peace & Harmony

In its complaint, CJP urged the Goa Police to follow strict preventive measures in line with recent Supreme Court directives. CJP pleaded in its complaint that, “In light of the Supreme Court’s recent appeal for peace and harmony in the case concerning the Sambhal Jama Masjid, CJP submit this preventive complaint regarding the “Hindu Rashtra Jagruti Sabha” scheduled for January 25, 2025, in Goa. The Supreme Court, during its hearing on November 29, 2024, urged that “peace and harmony must be maintained” and expressed the desire for no further escalation, following the violence that erupted in Sambhal over a mosque survey. The survey, which was ordered based on claims that the mosque was built on a demolished temple, triggered violent clashes, resulting in the loss of four lives. This tragic event highlights the serious risks of escalating tensions when sensitive issues related to religious sites are addressed in provocative ways.”

Divisive, majoritarian background of the HJS

While highlighting potential danger of provocative and communal speech in scheduled event of January 25, CJP mentioned that the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has previously been associated with communal rhetoric that seeks to inflame tensions between communities. Their previous events have seen controversial statements made by their speakers, which often target religious minorities and promote a divisive agenda.

“Given the organization’s known stance and its association with provocative actions, it is almost certain that the upcoming event will follow a similar pattern, where inflammatory remarks are made with little regard for the consequences” CJP added. 

CJP stated in complaint, the HJS runs a campaign advocating for the passing of anti-Love Jihad laws in across the country. Extremist Right-wing Hindu groups have been using the term “love-Jihad” loosely now, wielded by an aggressive majoritarianism, woven into a dominant caste Hindu narrative of religious extremism, Islamophobia, and communal hatred.

It has also been provided on their website that HJS has been conducting regular workshops to make Hindus “aware” of the consequences of autonomous and free choice marriages, derogatively and provocatively termed ‘Love Jihad.’

CJP’s complaint dated January 22, 2025 may be read here:

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The post CJP seeks preventive measures ahead of HJS’s “Hindu Rashtra Jagruti Sabha” event in Goa appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In a complaint before the District Administration of Ahmednagar, CJP stated that the event’s agenda remains unclear, but based on the track record of the organizers and possible that it could escalate into inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that may jeopardize the peace and harmony of the region. In its complaint, CJP urges the authorities to take pre-emptive measures, in line with the directions from the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Bombay High Court, to avoid any escalation of communal tensions.

A dangerous precedent: the risk of provocative rhetoric and hate speech

The primary concern of CJP lies in the potential for hate-filled speeches and provocative rhetoric at the event, which could easily stoke communal discord. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, known for its history of making incendiary statements against religious minorities, has previously been involved in organizing events that led to communal disharmony. CJP anticipates that the upcoming event could follow a similar pattern, as there is no transparency regarding the speakers or their content. Given the organization’s controversial stance, it is highly likely that speeches at the event will include inflammatory statements that could provoke violence.

CJP draws parallels to recent incidents in other parts of India, where events centered around religious issues, particularly places of worship, have spiraled into violence and unrest. For instance, in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, clashes erupted over a mosque survey, resulting in loss of lives and severe communal tensions. Such incidents have shown how sensitive issues involving religious spaces can be exploited by extremist groups, with catastrophic consequences. The CJP complaint warns that the event in Shirdi could follow this trajectory, affecting the communal harmony not just the region but the entire state of Maharashtra.

CJP’s urgent appeal to the authorities

In its complaint, CJP stresses that the authorities must act promptly to prevent any incitement of violence or hate speech. The complaints highlight the importance of not just monitoring the event but ensuring the accountability of the organizers for the content of the event. The local law enforcement agencies must take the necessary steps to prevent any inflammatory statements, ensuring that no one uses religious spaces or gatherings as platforms to sow division and hostility between communities.

Supreme Court appeals to authorities to uphold peace and harmony

The petition also references recent Supreme Court directives that emphasize maintaining peace and harmony, particularly in situations involving religious sensitivities. CJP invokes the Court’s appeal in the case of the Sambhal Jama Masjid incident, where the Supreme Court stressed the need for authorities to take preventive action to avoid violence stemming from disputes over religious matters.

“In light of the Supreme Court’s recent appeal for peace and harmony in the case concerning the Sambhal Jama Masjid, CJP submit this preventive complaint regarding the “Third Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad” scheduled for December 24-25, 2024, in Shirdi. The Supreme Court, during its hearing on November 29, 2024, urged that “peace and harmony must be maintained” and expressed the desire for no further escalation, following the violence that erupted in Sambhal over a mosque survey. The survey, which was ordered based on claims that the mosque was built on a demolished temple, triggered violent clashes, resulting in the loss of four lives. This tragic event highlights the serious risks of escalating tensions when sensitive issues related to religious sites are addressed in provocative ways. The upcoming event in Shirdi, organized by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, raises similar concerns. Given the known history of inflammatory rhetoric associated with the organization, there is a real danger that the event could inflame communal tensions and lead to violence, particularly around religious spaces” according to CJP’s complaint.

Shirdi: a city of coexistence, at risk of unraveling due to extremist agendas

Shirdi, known for being the home of the revered saint Sai Baba, is a symbol of religious unity, where both Hindus and Muslims coexist in harmony. The city has long been a beacon of peace, where Sai Baba’s teachings of tolerance and respect for all religions have been embraced by millions of devotees. However, with the “Third Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad” event scheduled to take place in the heart of Shirdi, there is an alarming risk of disturbing this delicate balance.

CJP further mentioned in its complaint that, the potential for divisive rhetoric to erupt at the event and provoke tensions between communities cannot be underestimated. If left unchecked, the event could cause irreparable damage to the social fabric of Shirdi, turning a city once known for religious unity into a flashpoint for communal conflict. CJP urges the authorities to prevent this by ensuring that the event remains peaceful and free from hate speech, in line with the constitutional guarantees of equality and religious freedom.

Inflammatory speech threatens religious Harmony & Safety

The CJP complaint outlines the risks posed by inflammatory statements that target religious minorities, calling attention to the broader implications such rhetoric can have on society. The recent spate of violence related to religious issues underscores the dangers of allowing hate speech to flourish unchecked. It is not only a threat to public safety but a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. CJP cites several previous Supreme Court rulings, which have emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of hate speech and ensuring the peaceful conduct of public events.

By urging immediate preventive measures, CJP asks the authorities to take their responsibility seriously and act swiftly to avoid any potential escalation. As the complaint notes, the events organized by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti have a history of causing communal polarization, and it is imperative that the authorities intervene to prevent any harm to the social and religious harmony of Maharashtra.

CJP’s complaint dated December 23, 2024 can be read here

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The post CJP files preventive complaint to safeguard Shirdi’s religious harmony appeared first on SabrangIndia.

CJP in its complaint raised concern that anti-social elements trying to disturb the communal peace and harmony and urged Maharashtra Police to deny permission of the proposed events of Sakal Hindu Samaj and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and cited recent orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Bombay High Court as well as Orders issued by the Director General of Police Maharashtra on steps that need to be taken, especially pre-emotive ones.

CJP mentioned in its complaint states that SHS and HJS are running a campaign advocating for the passing of anti-Love Jihad laws in Maharashtra. Extremist Right-wing Hindu groups have been using the term “love-Jihad” loosely now, wielded by an aggressive majoritarianism, woven into a dominant Hindu caste narrative of religious extremism, Islamophobia, and communal hatred. It has also been provided on their website that HJS has been conducting regular workshops to make Hindus “aware” of the consequences of autonomous and free choice marriages, derogatively and provocatively termed ‘Love Jihad.’ This Right-wing extremist organisation has also organized various events in the past advocating for the boycott of Halal and the economic boycott of Muslims in India. Other than this, their websites have also provided a communal colour to issues such as religious conversions and cow slaughter. 

CJP sent the following three complaints seeking preventive action before the Maharashtra Police: 

CJP’s Complaint before Ahmednagar Police on August 26, 2024

On August 26, CJP sent complaint to Superintendent of Police and District Collector, Ahmednagar seeking preventive action against the proposed and published event of “Hindu Janakrosh Morcha” organized by Hindu right-wing extremist organization Sakal Hindu Dalit Samaj, Kopargaon, that, according to the information available on their poster, held in Dhotre Village, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar. The said event is called as “Hindu Janakrosh Morcha”. As per the details in the poster of the event available, right-wing leader & habitual hate offender Harshatai Thakur, Sangram Bapu Bhandare, Sagar Beg and Yogesh Suryavanshi invited as keynote speakers for this event.

CJP highlighting the same, urged police to deny permission for the scheduled August 28 at 10 AM Morcha in Kopargaon, Ahmednagar and set an example for the anti-social elements who are trying to disturb peace and harmony.

The Complaint can be read here:

CJP complaint against Uran-Islampur Police on August 27, 2024

On August 27, CJP sent complaint before the Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate, Sangli, seeking preventive action against the Sakal Hindu Samaj’s proposed rally from Shivaji Chowk to Yallama Chowk in Uran-Islampur, Sangli on august 29, 2024. In complaint before the authorities. As per the details available in CJP complaint, habitual hate offender BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and Harshatai Thakur was invited as keynote speakers for this event.

As per the content of their poster, the major demands of the Morcha were following;

1.  “The victimized Hindus in Bangladesh must get justice. 
2.  Islampur Should be renamed Urun-Ishwarpur. 
3.  A strict law should be implemented immediately for the safety of young women against “Love Jihad”. 
4.  Strict laws should be implemented in the state for the safety of women and girls.”

CJP flagged in its complaint that that few days back, the state of Maharashtra had witnessed violence and tensions due to hateful speeches and provocative statements in Nashik, Jalgaon protest march over attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus and on the same demands organized by Sakal Hindu Samaj.

The Complaint can be read here:

CJP’s Complaint before Pune Police on August 28, 2024

On August 28, CJP sent complaint to the Commissioner of Police, Pune and District Collector, Pune against the proposed event of “Hindu Rashtra Jagruti Andolan: organized by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti on August 28, 2024 in Pune Maharashtra. According to the information available on their poster published on the HJS website, the said event held at Kai Sa Go Barve Chowk, Near Modern Café, Shivajinagar in Pune, Maharashtra.

The Complaint can be read here:

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The post CJP sent three complaints to Maharahtra Police against right-wing outfits appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The events announced by the Hindu right-wing extremist organization “Hindu Janajagruti Samiti” in state of Maharashtra and across the country, created a challenge to communal harmony of the state and certainty of hateful speeches and rallies through such events, CJP pleaded the same before the authorities and asked for appropriate action against such events and rallies.

In the complaint, CJP highlighted that we have been monitoring the website of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, many events for the month of August are being planned in various parts of Maharashtra as well. The event planned in Hyderabad, Hindu Rashtra Jagruti Andolan, is to take place on August 17, 2024 at 3 PM. The link of their website: https://www.hindujagruti.org/events

CJP mentioned in its complaint that, the HJS runs a campaign advocating for the passing of anti-Love Jihad laws across the country. Extremist Right-wing Hindu groups have been using the term “love-Jihad” loosely, wielded by an aggressive majoritarianism, woven into a dominant Hindu narrative of religious extremism, Islamophobia, and communal hatred. It has also been provided on their website that HJS has been conducting regular workshops to make Hindus “aware” of the consequences of autonomous and free choice marriages, derogatively and provocatively termed as ‘Love Jihad.’ This Right-wing extremist organisation has also organized various events in the past advocating for the boycott of Halal and the economic boycott of Muslims in India. Other than this, their websites have also provided a communal colour to issues such as religious conversions and cow slaughter.

CJP further added that in the current environment of oppression and otherization of the Muslim community, such religious issues when portrayed in a prejudicial or hysterical way, without any rational basis to that questioning, with an intention to pitch views of only one segment/community amounts to stigmatizing of an already marginalized section.

Accordingly, CJP has urged Telangana Police, especially Hyderabad Police, to take preventive measures to stop this event from takin place and take any other action deemed necessary in this regard.

The complaint may be read here:

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Mahim police station senior PI S Shirsat informed CJP led delegation that permission to the HJS rally had been turned down. A Citizens’ delegation, led by CJP, meets with senior police officer to urge preventive action against scheduled Hindu Janajagruti Samiti morcha in Mumbai on August 10, 2024 at 6 pm

On Friday, August 9, a citizens’ delegation led by Citizens for Justice and Peace, Mumbai (CJP) met with Sudhakar Shirsath, Senior Police Inspector, Mahim Police Station to discuss and seek immediate preventive action against Hindu Janajagruti Samiti morcha in Mumbai on August 10, 2024 at 6 pm. The delegation, which comprised Teesta Setalvad (Secretary, CJP) and Dolphy D’Souza (President, The Bombay Catholic Sabha and Trustee, CJP), submitted a memorandum to urge the police official to deny the permission given to HJS for the rally as well as follow the preventive measures in case of hate speeches that have been issued by the Constitutional Courts time and again.

At the meeting, Senior PI, Mahim police station told the delegation that just a few hours back permission for the HJS rally had been turned down in the interests of preserving communal harmony.

The HateWatch campaign spearheaded by CJP minutely monitors such hate driven events and also files pre-emptive complaints against them.

Today’s memorandum submitted:

The memorandum that was submitted included the recent orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Bombay High Court as well as Orders issued by the Director General of Police Maharashtra on steps that need to be taken, especially pre-emotive ones, in situations involving delivery of hate speech by offenders.

The memorandum further highlighted the background of HJS, which have been conducted events and workshops that advocate for the passing of anti-Love Jihad laws in Maharashtra, create divisions along religious and caste lines by making Hindus “aware” of the consequences of autonomous and free choice marriages, raise calls for boycott of Halal and the economic boycott of Muslims in India, and given a communal colour to issues such as religious conversions and cow slaughter. As per the delegation, preventing such events and rallies to take place in the state of Maharashtra was crucial, especially in view of the impending state assembly elections, as there is an attempt to create an environment of oppression and otherisation of the Muslim community in the state.

The memorandum states “It is crucial to highlight here that HJS has been notorious for organizing such events and making controversial and derogatory statements amounting to hate speech against the Muslim minority community. This has grave potential of being blown up and leading to a law-and-order situation in the city, not just in the immediate future but collectively, as these events are held state-wide could have dangerous implications in the near future.”

It was further highlighted through the memorandum that even though the speakers at the present event are not clear, HJS has been providing a platform to many notorious hate offenders and hate speakers, such as BJP MLA T.Raja Singh, PramodMuthalik, Meenakshi Sharan, H.H. Sambhajirao Bhide, Kalicharan Maharaj and Suresh Chavhanke, who have taken this opportunity to create communal disharmony and public disorder.

As a part of the memorandum, the slew of directives that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has issued time and again for effective prevention of social disharmony, hate crimes and communal violence through the judgment of Mohd. Haroon and others v. Union of India [(2014) 5 SCC 252], Firoz Iqbal Khan vs Union of India [W.P (Civ.) No. 956 of 2020] and Tehseen Poonawalla v UOI and ors [(2018) 9 SCC 501] and Amish Devgan vs Union Of India [2021 1 SCC 1] were highlighted. Additionally, the multiple directions issued by the Supreme Court of India, through interim orders, in the case of Shaheen Abdullah vs Union of India [Writ Petition (Civil) No. 940 of 2022] was also emphasised upon. Notably, in the said case, the Apex Court had outlined the already codified statutory duties of a police officer to take action under section 151 of CrPC in case there is apprehension of hate speech. Video-tapping of events with apprehension of there being hate speeches was also directed.

Based upon the same, the citizens’ delegation urged the police officials to take action as per sections 130 (Police to prevent cognizable offences), 131 (Information of design to commit cognizable offences) and 132 (Arrest to prevent the commission of cognizable offences) of the BNSS and any other provisions of law as were necessary. They also highlighted that the if wider public is kept abreast of developments in this particular case, as well as in others, it would go a long way in re building faith and confidence in the rule of law in general and a police-citizen relationship in particular.

The delegation also handed over a ready to use Handbook, “Towards a Hate Free Nation” to the official as it succinctly provides latest jurisprudence from the Supreme Court of India (SC) and Bombay High Court (HC) that re-emphasise the role and responsibility to both prevent and prosecute targeted violence. This comprehensive booklet on preventive and other measures provides the measures that must be adopted by police and district administration in cases of such provocative events where inciting hate speeches are likely to be delivered. CJP believes that countering hate is a collective responsibility of both the concerned citizenry and the authorities.

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The incident allegedly took place over the blocking of a vehicle’s path carrying some goods.

Hubballi-Dharwad City Commissioner of Police Renuka Sukumar confirmed to an independent news portal, South First that it was merely a quarrel between two groups. She did however state that the groups indulged in fisticuffs, but clarified that the incident was not communal in nature.

The police have registered a case against four persons belonging to the minority community over the incident. They have been booked under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 34 (common intention), 504 (intentional insult provoking breach of peace), and 323 (assault) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case was registered based on the complaint by Manjunath Udakeri of Lokuru in Dharwad. He is the brother of Irappa Rudrappa Udakeri, the victim.

“We have secured two people involved in the assault and are investigating further into the case,” Renuka told the media.

The quarrel

According to the police, the incident occurred at around 6:45 am on Saturday, February 3. Irappa and his driver had just arrived at the market with their goods vehicle loaded with vegetables.

Injured Irappa Rudrappa Udakeri in Dharwad

It is reported that when Irappa actually entered the market, another vegetable vendor Asfak’s son and son-in-law Abdul Rehman had spread their vegetables on the road to sort them, hampering movement. An irritated Irappa, who knew Asfak, apparently demanded they move the vegetables so that his vehicle could pass through.

The response he got from the two was that if he wanted to pass by with his vehicle, he would have to drive over their vegetables. The exchange quickly turned ugly, with the assembled people taking sides. The duo allegedly hurled vulgar abuses at Irappa and then started assaulting him after two others restrained him.

According to his brother’s complaint, Irappa was repeatedly punched in the face. He sustained injuries to his mouth and could not speak, said the police, adding that he also bled from his nose.

Witnesses informed the cops, who rushed to the spot and shifted Irappa to a hospital.

No communal angle, say cops

“Irappa could not speak to the police officers as he had injuries to his mouth. His friend Nadaf (belonging to the minority community), who was at the spot and an eyewitness to the incident, gave a statement to the police on Irappa’s behalf,” CP Renuka Sukumar told South First.

However, rumours started spreading on social media that a farmer was attacked by four men belonging to the minority community just because he was a Hindu.

The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) Karnataka unit spokesperson Mohan Gowda posted on X, “Yesterday radical Muslims vendors beaten to Hindu poor Farmer in Dharwad APMC market for selling vegetables. Hindus farmers seviourly injured and admitted Hospital. It shows how Hindus are unsafe in Karnataka. [sic]”

However, the Hubballi-Dharwad police clarified that there was no communal angle to the incident.

“In fact, a friend of Irappa from the minority community named Nadaf helped him by communicating to the police about the incident,” the CP also added in their conversation with  South First. However, this has not stopped HJS from continuing with its communal diatribe.

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The post Ultra right-wing outfit gives Dharwad market brawl communal colour; police counter with facts appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The speech:

“I want to stand on this stage and salute because today, the movie ‘The Kerala story’ has depicted how our struggle since the last 10-12 years, all our work, was the truth, it was for the protection of our daughters.”

“When we take the name of our Maharani Padmini and talk about johar, then people say that why did Maharani Padmini not fight? So many narratives could be set for us. I want to tell everyone that she could not have fought because she was dealing with necrophile’s then as we are dealing with necrophile’s now, the case of Priyanka Reddy from Hyderabad is one such example.”

“These people are such necrophiliacs that even after the woman dies, these people keep on raping their dead bodies. They even commit gang rapes. Thus, to ensure that these people do not even get our dead bodies, Maharani Padmini had no other choice but to give her body to fire, to ensure that her body burns.”

“We need a central law on the issue of “love-Jihad’, one that is very stringent so that it scares these ‘Jihadis’ to their core, as the states that are not governed by the BJP, the rate of forced conversions is increasing day by day. Our daughters are getting trapped in ‘Love-Jihad’ and getting converted. Even in the states where there is a law governing ‘Love Jihad’, it is not sufficient.”

“The Central should treat ‘Love Jihad’ as a genocide or an organised crime, and should also factor in that these people suffer from necrophilia and rape women even after they have died, and should bring in a strict law so that these heinous people cannot find a way to survive in India.”

“We need to start raising these demands with the centre from today, to ensure that our daughters and sisters are safe. We need to understand that not only are daughters, but all women are their targets. Frequently married women are also getting targeted. There is an urgency to start demanding this as it is only now that a government similar to our mindset is in power.”

The video can be viewed here:

Far-right monk Yati Chetnanand Saraswati of Akhand Hindustan Morcha in her speech, targeted Muslims and their faith. pic.twitter.com/ZCmzI43o36

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) June 18, 2023

Many such hate speeches targeting the Muslim community are being made at this convention in Goa which has both online and offline participation. The agenda for this scheduled meet, held at Shree Vidyadhiraj Hall, Shri Ramnath Devasthan, Bandora in Ponda, Goa, are many issues like ‘love jihad’, ‘halal’ versus ‘jhatka’ meat, ‘land jihad, ‘Kashi-Mathura mukti, conversions,’ ‘cow-slaughter’, ‘Islamic invasion on forts’ and  ‘persecution of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh’.

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The post The speaker called Muslims necrophiles, demanded a central law on ‘Love-Jihad’ treating it as genocide or organised crime appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The convention in Goa with online and offline participation of 1500 participants began on Friday June 16 and continues through June 22. At this juncture when a secular government has been voted to power in the neighbouring state of Karnataka it is crucial to understand how the tentacles of the HJS and close associate body Sanatan Sanstha spawn over to the southern Indian state.

At the HJS press conference held in New Delhi four days ago, HJS announced the agenda for the seven-day meet scheduled to be held at Shree Vidyadhiraj Hall, Shri Ramnath Devasthan, Bandora in Ponda, Goa. With a BJP government firmly in this holiday destination diverse state, Goa, no disruptions are likely. The vast campus of the organisation Sanatan Sanstha (founded by Jaidev Athawale) set in the balmy clime of south Goa, Ponda is housed just here.

Apart from controversial and divisive issues like the constructed ‘love jihad’, ‘halal’ versus ‘jhatka’ meat, ‘land iihad, ‘Kashi-Mathura mukti, conversions,’ ‘cow-slaughter’, ‘Islamic invasion on forts’ and  “persecution of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh’ the outfits are unlikely to stop here.

Already at the end of the first day, Ranjit Savarkar, grandson of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar, on Friday, June 16 called for an economic boycott of the Muslim community and exhorted Hindus to carry out “only Hindu-to-Hindu” trade. He was an invitee and speaker at the inauguration of a six-day ‘Vaishvik Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav’ being held in Goa.

Then, the HJS ‘national spokesperson’ Chandrakant Pingale is pushing a film, ‘Goa Files’, on the “atrocities on Hindus during the Portuguese rule in the state.” Clearly Christians are also on the radar now. Live-in couples and same sex relationships also are a target as “immoral” as the ‘Guru’ Chandrakant Pingale of HJS has called them the reason for natural calamities like Cyclone Biparjoy.

Several prominent names associated with HJS, have been over the past week holding small, seemingly innocuous gatherings in different parts of the country to announce the heralding of the Hindu Rashtra. Their meetings are being held in localities and temples. Besides, the modus of online satsang are being used to propagate the HJS Mahotsav. All the Members of HJS and their social media accounts are full of photos of the proposed Sabha and Vaishvik Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav.

The links of the HJS with a wider ecosystem of political hate-mongers is evident. Who else will dot the HJS conference with the presence? Repeat offenders in terms of provocative hate speech have been invited and are likely to turn up in Goa and attend. The names likely to reach Ponda Goa and create a stor by their hate speech are Kalicharan Maharaj, Raja Singh, Suresh Chavhanke of Sudarshan News and others.

Karnataka poll losses, CAA 2019 and HJS

In a unique analysis of the recent “defeat’ of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently conducted state polls in Karnataka (May 2023), the HJS has attributed this to the “confusions among Hindus of the failure to implement the Citizenship Act.”

The HJS has a presence in the southern state and Guruprasad Gowda is the state coordinator for the Hindu militant organization – Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. He is known for his staunch anti-minority stance and assertions of converting India into a Hindu Rashtra (nation).

 “Let us not be satisfied with token presence, but be ready to put our full might for the establishment of Hindu Rashtra,” Gowda had said speaking at a state-level program for Hindu Rashtra in Bangalore.

“The demand for Hindu Rashtra does not mean just a change in the constitution, but a Hindu Rashtra based on the foundation of Dharma. If a Nation is developing, it does not mean it is progressing. We need to establish an ideal Hindu Rashtra based on the principles of Rama Rajya. All Hindu organisations must unitedly join in this struggle” Gowda added.

HJS and SS have been implicated and investigated in fomenting communal unrest in Goa and bordering states.  Notably, the members of the HJS have been accused of several terror plots, including the 2009 Diwali-eve Margao bomb blast. The organization is also suspected to be linked to accused plotting the killings of rationalists Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar, and journalist Gauri Lankesh.

Then there is Mohan Gowda, who, through his social media accounts, repeatedly spews venom against Muslims, spreads falsehood and propaganda, and shares visuals of his hateful campaigns, often referring to Muslims as ‘terrorists’ and ‘jihadists.’ He was hyperactive in 2020, when the report of Justice H N Nagamohan Das Commission was released related to SC/ST reservation that –among many steps towards affirmative action –blamed the “emergence of Vedic philosophy” for social inequality and the caste system in the state. Gowda reacted to the commission’s findings by calling the judge ‘anti-National’ and ‘anti-Hindu.’ Gowda had even demanded of the erstwhile Bommai-led BJP government that such Judges should be ‘avoided’ frtom appointed to commissions in future. Gowda has also demanded on behalf of his organization –HJS Karnataka — a ban on ‘halal meat’ in Karnataka.  He notoriously said: “They (Muslims) are taking over our country like a disease. For one Hindu child, there are five Muslim children. Yet Muslims are the minority. That is why we have organized this meeting to make people aware that we need a Hindu Rashtra.”

Rationalist Murders & HJS

Investigating agencies in both Maharashtra and Karnataka have found serious linkages between the SS and the political assassinations of Dr. Narendra Dabholkar in Pune on August 20, 2013; M. M. Kalburgi in Dharwad on August 30, 2015; and Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017. However, the Maharashtra Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is probing Govind Pansare’s case has not made any significant progress as such. Similar links between accused with the HJS have been made in the assassination Gauri Lankesh (2017). So far less than 100 witnesses have been examined and the entire list of witnesses touches close to 300.

HJS in pre election Karnataka: 2023

From February 23, 2023 in Tumakuru, February 25 (Bengaluru and Mysuru), Februaray 26 (Udupi, coastal Karnataka), March 10, 2023 (Tumakuru) and March 12 (Dakshin Karnataka and Bengaluru), HJS has been extremely proactive in holding meetings where inevitably hate speeches were given in the run up to the recent elections.

The post Hindu Janagaruti Samiti (HJS) & Karnataka links appeared first on SabrangIndia.

“If India has accepted ‘Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story’, then why shouldn’t there be a Goa Files,” HJS national spokesman Ramesh Shinde said on Wednesday. Last week, while speaking at a function to mark the 350th anniversary of Shivaji’s coronation, Sawant said on the 60th anniversary of Goa’s Liberation, the state should remove all Portuguese influence and “have a fresh start”. He said the Portuguese had begun destroying the temples 350 years ago and it was stopped after Shivaji confronted them.

Ramesh Shinde said “unspeakable atrocities” were carried out by Portuguese against the Hindus during the inquisition. “Why shouldn’t everyone in Goa and in the rest of India know about the extent of the atrocities?” Shinde said they’ll discuss the making of the film, ‘Goa Files’, during the 11th edition of the annual all-India Hindu Rashtra Convention at Ramnathi in Ponda. The summit will see hundreds of heads of different Hindu organisations from India and around the world come together for the week-long convention beginning on June 16. This is afoot in Goa presently, having begun yesterday, Friday, June 16 and is slated to continue till June 22.

“The Supreme Christian leader, the Pope, has publicly apologised throughout the globe for the inhumane atrocities committed by Christians worldwide. Is there a reason why he has not apologised to the people of Goa yet?,” Shinde said.

The convention will also propose to the Goa government to establish a museum in the state on the Inquisition. “Such museums exist in Christian countries like Peru, Brazil, Spain and Portugal. Then why shouldn’t such a museum be established in Goa,” the HJS national spokesperson said. The HJS has announced that it will also assist the Goa government in its efforts to identify sites of temples destroyed during the Portuguese rule so that temples can be rebuilt at these locations, he said.

So it’s now the turn of the Christian minority to be demonised and stigmatised in the garb of a selective re-telling of our past. Its no secret that some repression, even conversions did actually take place during Portuguese rule in Goa, but shared cultures, food and a tradition also followed. Chicken café real, Sorpotel, Xacuti are only some of the food delicacies just like the Bibinca is a much flavourful Goan desert. For those who trade on hate and violence however where can be any question of any meaningful sharing?

Months ago, Sudipto Sen’s ‘The Kerala Story,’ and it’s not-so-hidden goal of advancing Islamophobia and furthering communal divides by depicting Hindu women being targeted, converted to Islam, and then recruited by ISIS to commit ‘Jihad,’ had already caused plenty of controversy raised anti-Muslim and Islamophobic pitch to high levels. The film vilified both Islam and the Muslim community, with Muslim men being demonised and an anti-Muslim propaganda was disseminated. That the focal point of the film was also based on misinformation, with unverified claims of 32,000 (Hindu) women being targeted by Muslims for conversion is a moot point. This was later corrected, only after the Courts stepped in. Much damage had already been done.

Then, the trailer for Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s ‘72 Hoorain’, promises to further feed in to anti-Muslim propaganda, has been released. Besides, there are several more such propaganda filled movies set to be released this year in the run up to the general elections of 2024.

The teaser for ‘Accident or Conspiracy Godhra’, directed by MK Shivaaksh and produced by BJ Purohit and Ramkumar Pal, has been released and the movie is set to be released in theatres soon. According to the teaser, the film promises to “show the truth” behind what caused the riots. The teaser calls the attack on Sabarmati Express ghastly. Was it a well-planned attack that led to the Gujarat riots or was it a result of a fit of frenzy? The film is ostensibly based on the Nanavati Commission report, which was the commission of inquiry appointed by the government of Gujarat to probe the Godhra train burning incident. The report had upheld the latterly promoted “conspiracy” theory behind the Godhra train fire.

Another such movie named Tipu, which is a biopic based on the life of Tipu Sultan- the 18th century ruler of the then Mysore kingdom, had been made a few months ago. The announcement regarding the release of Tipu came along with the country-wide release of The Kerala Story. The said announcement of the film was accompanied by a short video clip that makes multiple claims which come off as Islamophobic in nature. The video clip claims that during Tipu’s time, “8000 temples and 27 churches were destroyed.” It also adds, “Four million Hindus were forced to convert to Islam and forced to eat beef.”

Adhi Purush, another movie based on the Ramayana, is slated to be released soon. Additionally, the teaser of Randeep Hooda starrer ‘Swatantra Veer Savarkar’ is also out, which attempts to glorify the life of a political leader who was an aggressive votary of an exclusivist Hindu Nation, the Hindu Rashtra

Bollywood once boastful of its own version of syncretic India be it Manmohan Desai’s Amar Akbar Anthony or before that a 1931 film Alam Ara , or V Shantaram’s 1941 film about the duo Pandit and Mirza, or Yash Chopra’s Dhul ka Phool released in 1959 with the theme of a Muslim protagnost bringing home a Hindu orphan child and bringing him home is now slave to the diktats of a majoritarian ideology. Best then we remember the words of the song from Dhul ka Phool, “Tu Hindu Banega Na Mussalmaan Banega, Insaan ki Aulaad Hai, Insaan Banega” and hum to these consoling words.

Related:

Film as Propaganda: the months between June 2023 & May 2024

What a one-sided Kerala Story does to society – Part II

The repercussions of a propaganda like “The Kerala Story”

‘The Kerala Story’ producer agrees to remove teaser claiming conversion of 32,000 women

The Kashmir Files: Calls for Muslim genocide ring out in cinema halls, hate brews outside

Hate floods in the wake of ‘The Kashmir Files’

The Kashmir Files: Celebrities and politicians warn against propaganda-driven films

From Fauda to Ertugrul: Spreading radical agenda via entertainment

Elections 2019: Modi biopic and a trail of violations

The post Now, a Goa outfit wants film on ‘Portuguese horror’ appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Ranjit Savarkar also asked Hindu seers to tell their followers to eat only ‘jhatka’ meat so that “our money” does not go to Muslim butchers, the newspaper reported. “The campaign should be that we will not trade with Islam. Trade will be between Hindus…,” he said.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is one of the chief ideologues of India’s Hindu nationalist movement.

HJS Goa, June 2023

The notorious and aggressive Hindu Janjagruti Samiti (HJS) who’s activists (and masterminds) have been closely linked to the accused of rationalist murders of Narendra Dabholkar (2013), Govind Pansare (2015), MM Kalburgi (2015) and Gauri Lankesh (2017) has hosted an international meet to hail and promote the idea of Hindu Rashtra (India as a Hindutva Theorcracy). The convention in Goa with online and offline participation of 1500 participants began on Friday June 16 and continues through June 22

At the HJS press conference held in New Delhi four days ago, HJS announced the agenda for the seven-day meet scheduled to be held at Shree Vidyadhiraj Hall, Shri Ramnath Devasthan, Bandora in Ponda, Goa. With a BJP government firmly in this holiday destination diverse state, Goa, no disruptions are likely. The vast campus of the organisation Sanatan Sanstha (founded by JayantAthawale) set in the balmy clime o south Goa, Ponda is housed just here.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti state spokesperson, Mohan Gowda had said in a statement here on Friday, June 9, “There will be many brainstorming sessions on various issues such as Love Jihad, Halal Certification, Land Jihad, Kashi-Mathura Mukti, conversions, cow-slaughtering, Islamic invasion on forts, protection of temple culture, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus, persecution of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, etc, besides subjects related to laying the foundation for establishing Hindu Rashtra,” he added reported Siasat.com. “Besides Mandir Mahasangh, Waqf Board, Conversion, Love Jihad, Halal Jihad, PFI, ISIS, how Hindu nation should be discussed in this program with the people from all the organizations and will keep their demands in front of the government,” National “Guru”, Dr Charudatta Pingale had asserted.

All prominent names associated with HJS, have been over the past week holding small, seemingly innocuous gatherings in different parts of the country to announce the heralding of the Hindu Rashtra. Their meetings are being held in localities and temples. Besides, the modus of online satsang are being used to propagate the HJS Mahotsav. All the Members of HJS and their social media accounts are full of photos of the proposed Sabha and Vaishvik Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav.Repeat offenders in terms of provocative hate speech have been invited and are likely to turn up in Goa and attend. The names likely to reach Ponda Goa and create a stor by their hate speech are Kalicharan Maharaj, Raja Singh, Suresh Chavhanke of Sudarshan News and others.

Related

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Terror accused BJP MP Pragya Thakur delivers hate speech in Bhopal, recalls her role in demolition of Babri Masjid

CJP complains against Suresh Chavhanke for Sangamner hate speech

Defiant of the SC, Suresh Chavhanke, Raja Singh & Hindutva outfits escalate hate to dangerous levels

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