The said complaint highlighted that a Hindutva organisation, namely the Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan, had published posters –prominently displayed–demanding that Muslims in the area flee their residences on threat of violence. This organisation was then joined by local community leaders like Swami Darshan Bharti and Rakesh Uttarakhandi, who also called for the forced eviction of Muslims while delivering strident hate-speeches against the community.

The complaint analysed the events leading to the exodus, the hate speeches, threats of violence boycott and abuse, led to the deterioration of communal harmony in the area and listed the sections of the criminal law and Constitution that stand violated. Following directives by the National Commission of Minorities (NCM) on the said complaint, an action taken report was sought from the superintendent of police, Uttarkashi.

The inception: In its reply, the police began by providing information that that the matter began with a case being lodged by the father of a minor Hindu girl in the Purola police station. In the complaint, it was alleged that two men, namely Uvaid Khan and Jitendra Sainihad, had kidnapped his daughter on the pretext of marriage.

The FIR had been lodged on May 26, 2023. The police had invoked sections 363 and 366A of the Indian Penal Code as well as section 16/17 of POCSO Act against Uvaid Khan and Jitendra Saini. The accused were also presented before the court and were sent to judicial custody. On June 10, after completion of the investigation, a charge sheet had been filed.

Communal disharmony: The report by the police further provided that since “the matter was inter-religious, local people/Hindu(tva) organisations, became enraged, took out a rally in Purola area and boycotted people of a religion.” Notably, the said rally was taken out on May 29, 2023, as provided in the CJP complaint to the NCM. On this, the police action taken reports states that, on the same day, “police PAC forces were deployed under the leadership of Badkot area officer and Badkot traffic area officer to ensure safety of people of a particular community and maintain law and order situation and a flag march was organised.” The CJP complaint,  based on substantiated media reports, had stated that the rally had turned violent, with mob violence against homes and shops belonging to the minority community in the area. Reportedly, the District General Secretary of ruling party, Prakash Kumar Dabral, had made anti-minority statements and said, “We will not let them do business here, will not let them open shops. Then they will leave on their own.”

The ATR from the Uttarakhand police had provided that in connection with the May 29, 2023 incident, a case had been filed at Purola Police station on June 15 under sections 147/149/427 of the IPC, against 100-150 unknown persons. This matter is still being investigated.

Posters targeting minorities: Among the worst aspects of the targeted violence was the stigmatised marking of Muslim homes with an ‘X’ symbol, a development that had found widespread condemnation. The police stated that that “some unknown persons/anti-social elements pasted posters on the shutters of shops belonging to Muslims.”

The ATR also stated that the objectionable posters that stated, “Love Jihadis are being informed that they should vacate their shops before the Mahapanchayat of June 15, if you do not follow will be dealt with time Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan” were also pasted by “unknown miscreants.” A case under IPC sections 153A/505/(1)(G)/506 had been lodged by them against unknown persons and is under investigation says the ATR.

The Mahapanchayat: A Mahapanchayat had been scheduled to be organised on June 15, which had been called by Hindu right-wing groups against alleged incidents of ‘love jihad’. The police ATR states that, “Due to the proposed Mahapanchayat in Purola on June 15, 2023, the undersigned, realising seriousness of the situation and to maintain law and order and communal harmony as well briefed his subordinates on regular basis and instructed them to keep an eye on situation and be alert and on June 15, 2023 necessary police forces were deployed. To maintain peace and law and order, deputy collector, Purola, passed an order to enforce section 144 in Purola police station area from June 14, 2023 to June 19, 2023 and the same was publicised via various mediums. On June 15, 2023 sufficient police PAC forces were deployed in the area under Purola police station to maintain law and order situation as well as for the safety of people of a particular religion in the wake of proposed Mahapanchayat by various organisations. Because of the efforts of district administration, police, the proposed Mahapanchayat could not happen and peace prevailed in Purola Kasba Bazar area.”

It is essential to highlight here that between the night of June 13 and June 14, an urgent petition by the Association for the Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) had been filed in the Supreme Court seeking urgent intervention to prohibit the proposed Mahapanchayat from taking place. By the morning of June 14, two other legal interventions in the form of letter petitions to the Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud were also sent by academics Apoorvanand and People’s Union for Civil Liberty. Notably, the Supreme Court had refused to entertain the said plea, but had allowed the petitioner to approach the High Court or any other authority. Notably, by it was only by 11.30 a.m. on June 14 that news of 144 being imposed in Purola and the proposed controversial Mahapanchayat being disallowed had become public.

Later, on June 15, the Chief Justice of Uttarkhand High Court, Vipin Sanghi, had heard the APCR petition moved against the Mahapanchayat and stated that it was the paramount duty of the State to ensure that law, order and peace is maintained and that there is no loss of life and property of any person in the state. The court had also the directed all respondents (state, police) to take whatever steps necessary to fulfil their Constitutional obligation to maintain law and order and protect the lives of all.

Lastly, the police ATR states that that since June 17, all the shops of people belonging to the minority religion in Purola Kasba Bazar opened peacefully. Furthermore, sufficient police forces had been deployed for the safety of people belonging to a particular religion and maintain communal harmony and law and order. The report further states “Presently, there is peace in Purola and anti-social elements are being monitored constantly by local police. The investigators in cases filed in the connection with the above matter have been given necessary instructions to legally proceed on merit.”

The complete reply of the police can be read here:

The complete complaint sent to the NCM can be read here:

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The post SP, Uttarkashi provides investigation action report on forced exodus of Muslims in June appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Several members of the minority community, which comprises just 2% of the town’s population or even less, were compelled to flee the town following brazen calls for targeted boycott made by extreme right-wing groups after an alleged abduction attempt on a minor girl by two men, one Hindu one a Muslim, on May 26.

Many of the shops run by Muslims in Purola main market remained shut for nearly 21 days after members of the community were threatened and asked to leave the state by right-wing organisations, who alleged the abovementioned abduction (in which one Hindu and one Muslim was involved) was part of a ‘love jihad’ attempt – a claim denied by the minor girl’s uncle, who is a complainant in the case. According to available information, the main market roughly consists of 650-700 shops and of these, around 30-40 are run by Muslims.

‘Love jihad’ is a concocted term used by right-wing groups and extreme right-wing politicians belonging to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party including chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, to describe an alleged conspiracy by Muslim men to woo and seduce Hindu women, although Indian law, the Courts and the Union government do not officially recognise it.

It took a month after such perpetrated tensions were allowed to engulf the town –and economic losses worth hundreds of thousands suffered by the minority –that the police on Monday said the law-and-order situation is normal and more than 20 Muslim families, who fled over safety concerns, have returned to their homes.

“Over 20 Muslim families who left after communal tensions have returned. Everything is peaceful here now. The law and order is intact,” Purola station house officer (SHO) Ashok Kumar said. Some of the returnees, said HT,  corroborated the SHO’s comments and expressed satisfaction over normalcy being resumed in the town.

“Everything feels normal right now, just like it was earlier. Everything that happened seems like a bad dream. The police and vyapar mandal (traders union) have been very supportive,” Bablu, who left the town on June 4 and returned recently, is quoted by the newspaper.

The 40-year-old man lives in a rented accommodation in Purola and runs a salon in the main market. He shifted to Dehradun with his wife and two children when tensions erupted.

“We left for my sister’s place in Dehradun on June 4 after I came across a poster pasted on my shop, asking Muslim traders to vacate the premises. There has always been a sense of brotherhood among the people here. It was some outside elements who communalised the atmosphere here,” he said.

Arshad, 22, who also owns a salon in Purola market, had also fled to Dehradun in May 2023.. “I left for Dehradrun on May 27. My family lives there. I returned a week ago and subsequently resumed business as the situation is normal now,” he said.

“Even amid the tension, my landlord did not ask me to vacate the premises. But I left due to safety concerns. I knew hate cannot prevail for very long,” he said.

However, some families, quoted by Hindustan Times, also expressed apprehensions of active discrimination by the majority community.

“We returned because we have been assured of our safety by the administration. While we have been told that we won’t be harassed, we fear we will face discrimination by the majority community,” a Muslim resident said on condition of anonymity.

It is economic compulsions no doubt that have made them return. “My family was running short of money and for how long can we stay with relatives. We have a business in Purola and we are ready to resume our life again,” the resident said.

In a show of solidarity and communal harmony, Brij Mohan Chauhan, president of Purola Vyapar Mandal also told HT, “Most Muslim families have returned. They had left on their own will and returned on their own will. We never had problem with them. They are free to do trade here. We rather spoke to administration to persuade them to come back and open their shops.”

The law however does not deter extreme outfits like the Bajrang Dal. Vikas Verma of Bajrang Dal said, “We will ask locals for their economic boycott. It is the only way to evict them out of hills permanently. It is necessary if locals want to save their daughters from love jihad.”

On May 26 after two men, a Hindu and a Muslim, allegedly tried to abduct a 14-year-old girl. Local residents alleged it was a case of ‘love jihad’. The community of one of them was targeted by the mob, however.

While the two accused – Ubed Khan (24), a local shopkeeper, and Jitender Saini (23), a motorcycle mechanic – were arrested immediately on May 27, the incident led to right wing groups holding protests in several areas and attacking shops and houses of several Muslims.

Two days later, on May 29, a protest march by right wing outfits in Purola turned violent after some of the agitators attacked shops and establishments belonging to the Muslims. A similar protest was held on June 3, under the banner of Yamuna Ghati Hindu Jagriti Sangathan. Nearly 900 people took part in the stir.

Posters began to appear across Purola, asking Muslim traders to leave before a proposed Hindu mahapanchayat – which was later disallowed by the district administration – on June 15.

Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits the gathering of four or more people in a particular area, was enforced for three days at the time. Meanwhile, police are yet to file an FIR in connection with the ransacking of Muslim shops. No compensation has been paid either.

Ten days back too it was on June 17, that HT reported that the minor girl’s uncle said there was no communal angle in the case. “There were attempts from the first hour to make this a communal issue. Right-wing activists even prepared a police complaint for us on their own, but the police didn’t accept it. It was never a love jihad case, but a regular crime. Those that committed it, are behind bars,” the 40-year-old man,” he said.

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The post Month after targeted violence, Muslim families return to Purola: Uttarakhand appeared first on SabrangIndia.

While it is unclear whether there were any proofs or evidence on which the extremist outfits levied such bizarre allegations, or any investigation was undertaken by the police, what followed after the above-mentioned incident was expected and typical, in view of recent emergent patterns. 

With police unwilling to act, the said incident was followed by the fringe groups going around terrorizing the Muslims living in Kamaluaganja. A video has surfaced where a mob of young men can be seen gathered in front of a shop whose shutter was closed. They can be seen vandalizing a shop for auto parts, hitting at the board of the shop with bats and sticks. The mob can be seen laughing while breaking the signboard, and some equipment kept outside the shop.

The video then shows the mob asking from a shopkeeper, presumably a Muslim, to show them his Aadhar card. And then, the mob asks the man to close his shop and go home. After that, the video shows the mob vandalizing this shop too, with its boards being thrown on the road. It seemed as if this mob, equipped with bats and sticks, was going around the area, singling out the shops run by Muslims, and then vandalizing them.

The video can be viewed here:

Location: Kamaluaganja, Haldwani, Uttarakhand

Members of far-right groups vandalized Muslim owned shops in the town after they alleged a Muslim youth of sexually assaulting a cow. He was beaten, tonsured, and handed over to police. pic.twitter.com/UlWdcsobrW

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) June 15, 2023

In the midst of all this chaos, another video also surfaced on the social media, wherein a man can be seen defending a group of people from a mob. Reportedly, when a group of far-right goons was forcibly closing Muslim shops on Kamaluaganj road, a Hindu landlord came out stood in between the mob and the victims. He stood up for Muslims. The Hindu man can be heard arguing with the mob who is standing in front of him, saying that “what relations will go sour? If the law tells me that the shops need to be closed, I will do it.”

A person from the mob then said that “for these people you will take up a fight against all of us? We have come here because this incident has happened in our town, not somewhere else.”

The Hindu man then says “There is a Muslim man working in our police station. Why don’t you go there and eat his job then? Only then I will believe what you are saying. It is only in private that you can do all that your mind wishes for. There is nothing about love here. This is my shop and I take the guarantee for these people. Only after you have a proof against any of these people will I believe you. I will take guarantee for them till they work with me.”

The representative from the mob kept arguing with the Hindu man even as he was saying this. After the landlord said that he is taking guarantee, the mob says “even if you take their guarantee, we will not let them come here. We will not let them come here or work here from tomorrow.”

Even after this, the landlord does not bow down, and keeps on arguing with the mob. Then he asks the mob to leave and do whatever they are doing.

The video can be viewed here:

When a group of far-right goons tried to forcibly close Muslim shops on Kamaluaganj road, a Hindu landlord came in between and stood up for Muslims. pic.twitter.com/SMAoxsF8eB

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) June 15, 2023

The Hindu landlord protecting its Muslim workers from a violent mob, even after hearing the stories of a Muslim man indulging in some alleged crime, standing by his decision to protect them, shows the true picture of ‘Insaniyat’ in India. 

The landlord stood strong on his ground, vouching for his workers, not agreeing to let the mob hurt those innocent individuals for the alleged crimes of another, just because they all belong to the same community. The said act, keeping in view of the ongoing exodus of Muslims in Uttarakhand and the overall anti-Muslim environment, can be termed as no less than heroic.

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On the issuing of directions for the filing of FIR against the letter of the signatories sent to the DM, the bench said that it is not inclined to direct the registration of case, as it would be inappropriate considering the fact that it first and foremost for the police to examine whether commission of cognizable offence is disclosed. The bench further stated that even if the police is not acting, the petitioners have the right to approach the concerned Magistrate to examine under 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Proceedings (CrPC).It was the opinion of the court that the directions sought by the petitioner would lead to undue influence on the concerned statutory authorities and courts. The court then the directed all respondents to take whatever steps necessary to fulfil their Constitutional obligation to maintain law and order and protect the lives of all.

On Thursday morning three legal interventions (June 14) has been filed before the Supreme Court. One of was a petition by the same petitioners who today approached the Uttarakhand HC, APCR and the other two were letter petitions to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) by academics Apoorvanand and PUCL. By 11.30 a.m. on Thursday June 13 news of 144 being imposed in Purola and the proposed controversial Mahapanchayat being disallowed became public.

Communal tensions have been brewing in Purola and some other towns of Uttarkashi district after two men, one of them Muslim, allegedly tried to abduct a Hindu girl on May 26. The girl was rescued and the accused sent to judicial custody. The Muslim community in the town of Purola have been facing targeted attacks for over 10 days now. On June 6, The Times of India carried prominent reports of Muslim homes being selectively marked with crosses on Purola town. Reports in Hindustan, Hindustan Times and Amar Ujala suggest that many of whom were forced to flee too. The Hindu Mahapanchayat was supposed to be held today, organised mainly the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal against what they termed incidents of “love jihad”.

The Association for the Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) moved the court after the Supreme Court had yesterday in the day refused to entertain its plea against the Mahapanchayat, but allowed the petitioner to approach the High Court or any other authority.

Advocate Shahrukh Alam, representing the petitioners, brought to the notice of the court that posters, issued in the name of ‘Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan’,were stuck on shops and residences of Muslims in Purola, Uttarkashi saying “love jihadists are informed that they should vacate before mahapanchayat”.

Additionally, she referred to the letter sent by fringe outfits to the District Magistrate of New TehriGarwhal, that contained a veiled, unconstitutional threat, “requests to restrict a community in view of rise of population…if members of specified community fail to vacate the area within 10 days, Bajrang Dal and VHP will stage a protest and block the highway…”

Referring to the said letter, Advocate Alam argued that by ignoring this and not acting firmly against the organisers, the district magistrate (DM) is in direct breach of the Supreme Court orders on hate speech, as well as in breach of law for not invoking the sections of UAPA and the IPC, which penalises acts against national integrity and causes disharmony. Furthermore, she highlighted that no FIR has been registered against the signatories of this letter.

Advocate Alam also emphasised that the Muslim Seva Sangathan, an organisation fighting for the rights of Muslims, has also given a call for a Mahapanchayat in Dehradun on June 18, which might lead to more polarisation in the area.

Lastly, the Chief Justice orally stated that there should not be like flare up on social media with allegations and counter allegations, or debates on television or social media. On this, the bench added in its order that the petitioners, its associates and all other concerned shall refrain from participating in social media debates to help in normalising the situation.

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Advocate Sharukh Alam mentioned the petition seeking urgent listing as the ‘mahapanchayat'(conclave) is scheduled to be held tomorrow (June 15). She told the bench that an ultimatum has been given by certain groups to a particular community to leave the place before the ‘mahapanchayat’. She further pointed out that the Supreme Court had earlier issued a mandamus to the Uttarakhand Government to take steps to ensure that no hate speeches are made.

However, the bench asked the petitioner why they had not moved the High Court. “Law and order is for the administration to handle. You move the High Court. Why do you come here?” Justice Nath asked.

“Why do you express distrust in approaching HC? If there is a mandamus by this Court, High Court will pass orders. You should have some trust in the High Court.Why can’t you trust the administration?”, Justice Amanullah asked.

Shahrukh Alam explained that she has approached the Supreme Court in view of the earlier mandamus issued by it to th Uttarakhand Government in the hate speech matter. However, the bench said that the High Court can also pass appropriate orders if there is already a direction given by the Supreme Court.

Following that, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the petition. The bench then proceeded to dismiss the petition as withdrawn, granting petitioner liberty to avail alternate remedies under the law.

Purola and several other towns in Uttarakhand have been plunged into a communal frenzy over the alleged kidnapping of a 14-year-old girl by two men – a Hindu and a Muslim– on May 26, which has been termed a case of ‘love jihad’ by local residents. While both accused were arrested promptly, the incident provoked deep communal tension in the town, which has eventually spread to neighbouring areas in the state. These provocations have seen police being inactive and not preventing hate speech or even brazen attempts to stigmatise and socio-economically boycott the entire Muslim community. Over the following days, as reported by the Times of India on June 6, certain outfits reportedly held protests in several areas and attacked the shops and houses of Muslims in Purola.

Not only this, “notices” in the name of one ‘Devbhumi Raksha Sangathan’ were pasted on the shutters of shops owned by Muslim traders from June 6 onwards, threatening them to vacate the premises before the Mahapanchayat on June 15 or face dire consequences.

Reports have also claimed that ‘Vishwa Hindu Parishad’ has also written a letter to the Tehri-Garhwal administration saying that if Muslims – euphemistically referred to as ‘the particular community’ – do not leave from certain belts of Uttarakhand, the group, along with Hindu Yuva Vahini and Tehri-Garhwal Traders’ Union will block the highway on June 20 in protest. Reports suggest that several Muslim families, fearing for their safety, have left the town following the hate campaign against them.

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The post SC orders petitioners to move HC on ‘Mahapanchayat’ immediately, also write to authorities: Uttarakhand Communal Tensions appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The petitions seeking prompt judicial intervention ahead of the Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan’s mahapanchayat comes hours after 52 former civil servants wrote to Uttarakhand’s chief secretary and police chief expressing serious concern about communal tensions in the state.

“If the mahapanchayat is allowed to happen, it could lead to a boil in communal tensions in the state. Muslim traders are reportedly being warned to leave Purola town before the mahapanchayat takes place … This could be a precursor to large-scale violence,” Vajpeyi and Apoorvanand say in the letter.

This appeal also mentions an ultimatum given to the state’s Muslim community by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan to leave the state. They note that these incidents are part of a trend where minority religious groups are targeted and intimidated through hate speech.

Notably these calls for “boycott” and targeting of the Muslim minority in Uttarkashi are part of a sinister pattern; similar calls were audible and threatening in Karnataka under the erstwhile Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government) and also have been reported by Sabrangindia from Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Pointing out that such events are utterly incompatible with the rule of law and parliamentary democracy, Vajpeyi and Apoorvanand write to the judges “hoping for prompt action in [their] capacity as head of the judiciary to take immediate action to prevent the mahapanchayat from taking place on June 15, 2023”. This letter petition has been sent both to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and the Chief Justice of the Uttarkhand High Court.

Posters had surfaced in Purola threatening the town’s Muslim community to shut their businesses after two people, a Hindu and a Muslim, allegedly abducted a minor Hindu girl. Also, shops belonging to Muslims in the nearby town of Barkot were marked with black crosses. Times of India had on June 6, eight days ago, -in a detailed report pointed out how Muslim shops were being marked out in a sinister fashion precursing stigma and violence.

“A multi-layered discriminatory public campaign led by certain groups such as Bajrang Dal, VHP for the last few months and continuing till date have been systematically targeting the Muslim community,” says the PUCL’s letter petition (also attached here). “During the course of these campaign they has used terms like “Vyapar Jihad” (Business Jihad), “Love Jihad,” and “Land Jihad” to instigate fear and hatred among the majority community which has created an atmosphere of violence and insecurity against the Muslims living in the region, causing an exodus… Papers like Amar Ujala and the Hindustan have all reported a letter has been sent by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to the Tehri District Magistrate giving an ultimatum to members of the Muslims Community to leave the Jaunpur valley and in particular the towns of Nainbagh, Jakhar, Nagtibba, Thatyur, Saklana, Damta, Purola, Barkot and Uttarkashi. The threat specifies that if Muslims don’t respond to their ultimatum of leaving the areas themselves, these organizations will organise a chakka jam in Tehri on 20.06.2023.”

“The campaign was based on an incident of alleged abduction of a Hindu minor girl in Purola by two accused (belonging to both Hindu and Muslim communities) and has been escalated as proof of ‘love jihad’. It should be noted that no governmental organisation or data has ever substantiated the existence of ‘love jihad’, or forcible conversions in the guise of fraudulent romantic relationships, but that the concept has been used to buttress hate-speech against Muslims across the country in recent times. The current situation in Uttarakhand is playing out similarly.”

In this sort of situation, says the PUCL letter petition, “the state’s failure to take adequate action is notable given that this was brought to their attention in an open letter dated May 30, written by the Lawyers of the Supreme Court of India to the Governor of Uttarakhand. The letter also noted specifically the actions of the previously mentioned entities in relation to hate-speech and past communal violence.” The PUCL letter petition has been sent by President, PUCL, Kavita Srivastava and General Secretary, V Suresh.

The two letter petitions by (1) Vajpeyi and Apoorvanand and (2) PUCL may be read here:

June 13, 2023

To,
The Hon’ble Chief Justice of India,
Supreme Court of India,
Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001
supremecourt@nic.in
011-23386178 (Secretary G

The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court
Nainital, Uttarakhand
highcourt-ua@nic.in
FAX: 05942-237721, 05942-231692

URGENT APPEAL FOR PREVENTION OF COMMUNAL VIOLENCE IN UTTARAKHAND

SUB: Proposed ‘Mahapanchayat on 15 June 2023 against Muslims in Uttarakhand in the name of protection of “DaveBhumi”.

Respected Sir,

1. This is to bring to your kind notice that a ‘mahapanchayat’ is scheduled to be held on June 15, amid continued communal tension, in Purola. Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. If the Mahapanchayat is allowed to happen, it could lead to a boil in communal tensions in the State. Muslim traders are reportedly being warned to leave Purola town before the Mahapanchayat takes place. Posters threatening Muslim traders to shut shops and leave the state by 15 June have recently surfaced. Due to the tension and threats. Muslim residents have already shut their shops and some families have migrated from the district. In fact, there is a Facebook post that states that the State Administration would not ask the traders to keep the shops open. This could be a precursor to a large scale violence.
2. There are confirmed reports that there is internal displacement as Muslims as fleeing their houses. The constitution guarantees the right to reside anywhere in Article 19 of the Constitution.
3. On May 29, a major rally was taken out in Purola by right-wing bodies demanding that Muslims leave the town. In videos of the rally that subsequently went viral, mobs can be seen attacking Muslim-owned shops, despite the presence of the police. Posters warning Muslim traders of ‘dire consequences’ were pasted on shopfronts. The posters were undersigned by a group called the ‘Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan’. A protest was again held on June 3, under the banner of Yamuna Ghati Hindu Jagriti Sangathan. in which hundreds of people took part. This harassment is not just limited to Purola Town. In the nearby Barkot, shutters of shops owned by Muslims have been reportedly marked with a black cross.
4. Ultimatums have also been issued Besides the 15 June Mahapanchayat threat indicated oil the posters pasted on Muslim-run shops. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has written a letter to the Tehri Garhwal District Administration giving an ultimatum to Muslims who are euphemistically referred to as the “particular community” in the letter, stating that 10 days’ worth of time has been given to them to leave from many mentioned belts of Uttarakhand. The VHP, in its letter, wrote that if this doesn’t happen, then they along with the Hindu Yuva Vahini and Traders’ Union of Tehri Garhwal will block the highway on 20 June in protest.
5. These aforementioned events are in the context of widespread or systematic hate speeches directed against minority religious groups in the recent past, which have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. On the 17th & 19th of December 2021, at two separate events organised in Delhi (by the Hindu Yuva Vahini) and Haridwar (by Yati Narsinghanand), hate speeches calling for the genocide of Muslims in order to achieve ethnic cleansing, were openly made in flagrant violation of the law. It was the intervention of the Hon’ble Supreme Court which forced the state administration to act against the organizers of the aforesaid event. The threat of holding a Mahapanchayat on 15 June is part of a series of such similar events that have taken place in the past.
6. Indeed, the events in Uttarkashi are illustrative of the State Government’s failure to follow the guidelines in Tehseen Poonawala v. Union of India, (2018) 9 SCC 501. These guidelines, inter alia, provided for “preventive measures” to be undertaken by the State Governments to prevent precisely the events currently unfolding in Uttarkashi. Uttarakhand. The guidelines state:

40.1. The state governments shall designate a senior police officer inti below the rank of superintendent of police, as nodal officer in each district. Such nodal officer shall be assisted by one of the DSP rank officers in the district for taking measures to prevent incidents of mob violence and lynching. They shall constitute a special task force so as to procure intelligence reports about the people who are likely to commit such crimes or who are involved in spreading hate speeches, provocative statements and fake news.

40.10. It shall be the duty of the central government as well as the state governments to take steps to curb and stop dissemination of irresponsible and explosive messages, videos and other material on various social media platforms which have a tendency to incite mob violence and lynching of any kind.

7. Thus, urgent judicial intervention is required to protect the life, limb, and property of those under attack and against whom the Mahapanehayat has been scheduled to be held on the 15th of June.
8. Under these circumstances, I am writing to your Lordship hoping for prompt action in your capacity as the head of the judiciary to take immediate action to prevent the Mahapanchayat from taking place on 15 June 2023. It is also respectfully urged that directions may be issued to the state government of Uttarakhand to take the necessary steps to protect the lives of those under threat. Further, those who have been forced to leave their shops and homes should be provided compensation and rehabilitated with the adequate protection. It is respectfully submitted that such events are anathema to the rule of law and cannot be countenanced in a parliamentary democracy. They threaten the very secular fabric which binds the country together.

Yours truly,

Ashok Vajpeyi

Apoorvanand

LETTER PETITION

TO CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

13 June, 2023

To
Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud,

The Hon’ble Chief Justice,

Supreme Court of India.

1. We are writing this letter as People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) to bring to your attention the alarming rise of hate speech, vigilantism, and targeted communal violence against the minority Muslim community in Uttarakhand in the last few days.
2. We are a civil liberties and human rights organisation formed in 1976 by Sh. Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Kriplani, Krishna Kant and others. Justice V.M. Tarkunde, Justice Rajindar Sachar, Rajni Kothari, K.G. Kannabiran and other  legal luminaries. PUCL has been at the forefront of the defence of the freedom of speech and expression in its work ever since its inception. However, as per human rights standards both internationally as well as in the Indian Constitution, the freedom of speech and expression does not extend to the ‘advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence’  as per Article 19 of the International Covenant  on Civil and Political Rights. Article 19 (2) envisages a restriction of the freedom of speech and expression on the ground of ‘incitement of an offence’. It is precisely this dangerous transgression of the limits of free speech which threatens the life, liberty and property of an entire constitutionally protected grouping, in Uttarakhand that we wish to bring to your kind attention.
3. We submit this petition to draw your immediate attention to the alarming rise of hate speech, vigilantism, and targeted communal violence against the minority Muslim community in Uttarakhand and to request you to kindly direct the state government of Uttarakhand and the concerned authorities to take immediate measures to redress  violent hate campaign, incitement to violence, increased insecurity in the minority community which is resulting in many being coerced into leaving their homes.
4. A multi-layered discriminatory public campaign led by certain groups such as Bajrang Dal, VHP for the last few months and continuing till date have been systematically targeting the Muslim community. During the course of these campaign they has used terms like “Vyapar Jihad” (Business Jihad), “Love Jihad,” and “Land Jihad” to instigate fear and hatred among the majority  community which has created an atmosphere of violence and insecurity against the Muslims living in the region, causing an exodus
5. The situation threatens to escalate by June 15, 2023 in Purola in the district Uttarkashi, where a ‘Mahapanchayat’ (a mega assembly) is being planned by several groups who have come under the leadership of Swami Darshan Bharti of Debhoomi Raksha Abhiyan. The Hindustan Times has reported that posters have been put up in Purola threatening  owners of Muslim owned shops to vacate before the Mahapanchayat. The link to the report can be found here – https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/posters-asking-muslim-traders-to-leave-surface-in-uttarakhand-101685991761377.html
6. Papers like Amar Ujala  and Hindustan have reported that a letter has been sent by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to the Tehri District Magistrate giving an ultimatum to members of the Muslims Community to leave the Jaunpur valley and in particular the towns of Nainbagh, Jakhar, Nagtibba, Thatyur, Saklana, Damta, Purola, Barkot and Uttarkashi. The threat specifies that if Muslims don’t respond to their ultimatum of leaving the areas themselves, these organizations will organise a chakka jam in Tehri on 20.06.2023. The report of Hindustan, a Hindi newspaper detailing the contents of this letter can be found here – reporhttps://www.livehindustan.com/uttarakhand/story-communal-tension-tehri-district-after-uttarkashi-particular-community-people-warned-leave-city-within-10-days-8282992.html
7. The continuous barrage of hate filled campaigning has already led to the exodus of numerous Muslim families. It will also provoke an already volatile situation into systemic communal violence on a large scale, unless the state takes immediate and urgent proactive measures to stop both the hate campaigns as also to prevent violent attacks to take place.
8. The campaign was based on an incident of alleged abduction of a Hindu minor girl in Purola by two accused (belonging to both Hindu and Muslim communities) and has been escalated as proof of ‘love jihad’. It should be noted that no governmental organisation or data has ever substantiated the existence of ‘love jihad’, or forcible conversions in the guise of fraudulent romantic relationships, but that the concept has been used to buttress hate-speech against Muslims across the country in recent times. The current situation in Uttarakhand is playing out similarly.
9. The Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan is an organisation operating in the area, which issued posters demanding that Muslims in the area flee their residences on threat of violence. They were joined by local community leaders like Swami Darshan Bharti and Rakesh Uttarakhandi, who also called for the forced eviction of Muslims while making hate-speech against the community. Evidence of these speeches are available in videos currently seeing wide circulation, and are contributing to the deterioration of communal harmony in the area.
10. Local press has also reported that homes and shops belonging to Muslims have been marked with an ‘X’, and long standing residents including a BJP Minority Cell Leader (Mohammed Zaid), have been forced to flee their homes due to the threat of violence.
11. The threats were consolidated and escalated on May 29, when a rally organised by groups of the majority Hindu communities of the ruling BJP parties with the support of trade unions, turned violent, with mob violence against home and shops in the area. Reports suggest senior leaders of the ruling party have been involved with these rallies, with the District General Secretary of ruling party, Prakash Kumar Dabral, saying, “We will not let them do business here, will not let them open shops. Then they will leave on their own.”
12. These demands go against the spirit of the Preamble which rests on the spirit of the fraternity. These consistent hate speeches attack the dignity of the individuals, threatens not only their livelihood but also their life based on their religious identity i.e. Muslims. It reduces the Muslim citizens to second class citizenship and creates both institutional and popular sentiment to view them as lesser than. As ground situation shows, it does not stop with seeing Muslims as lesser than but goes on to instigate targeted violence against them, their property and a series of their fundamental rights. The violent targeting of a religious group with the intent of removing them from a geography, holds alarming similarities to genocidal tactics.This is not an exaggeration, as the primary leaders of this campaign have also previously been involved in explicit calls for the mass-murder of Muslims, at speeches given at the Haridwar Dharma Sansad of 2022. The common leader between the Dharam Sansad of 2022 and the hate campaigns now is Swami Prabodhanand Giri Mahamandaleshwar who is a repeat offender. This court has critically intervened when it came to the hate speeches made in Dharam Sansad and directed the state to register FIRs against the accused. A brief profile of the antecedents of Swami Prabodhanand Giri Mahamandaleshwar can be found here  https://www.thequint.com/news/india/haridwar-dharam-sansad-yati-narsinghanand-jitendra-tyagi-bjp#read-more
13. This also follows from the incitement to genocide on April 20 2023, at a Dharma Sabha in Uttarakhand organised by the fundamentalist group, the Rudra Sena, where calls for an economic boycott of minorities & and a ban on the settlement of “non-Sanatanis” in the state were made.
14. They declared that “peace cannot prevail in the world unless every ‘jihadi’ is eliminated.” The leader of the Rudra Sena, one Rakesh Tomar Uttarakhandi, has previously made speeches calling for the Van Gujjar community (a primarily Muslim tribal group) to evict the area on threat of violence.
15. Swami Darshan Bharti, mentioned above in paragraph 4 is leading the call for mass evictions. He was among those making hate speeches at the Dharma Sansad. His group, Uttarakhand Raksha Abhiyan, has previously circulated 1.5 lakh pamphlets inciting Hindus to stand up against alleged changes in the demography of Uttarakhand because of Muslims in 2019. He has been previously jailed after his hate-speech inspired physical attacks on Muslims.
16. Following are a few links corroborating the above facts:

1. Post 1 by Swami Prabodhanand Giri Mahamandaleshwar https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1176625616336285&id=100002420099047&mibextid=CDWPTG
2. Post 2 by Swami Prabodhanand Giri Mahamandaleshwar https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2491178251042485&id=100002420099047&mibextid=Nif5oz
3. Post 3 by Swami Prabodhanand Giri Mahamandaleshwar https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02CaosTehfX9bNd2dfDZHc5ajiCrC7AprGugCVDEJGi8iRz1BFnCgiwsLvgy6emEVLl&id=100002420099047&mibextid=CDWPTG
4. Post 4 by Swami Prabodhanand Giri Mahamandaleshwar https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02CaosTehfX9bNd2dfDZHc5ajiCrC7AprGugCVDEJGi8iRz1BFnCgiwsLvgy6emEVLl&id=100002420099047&mibextid=CDWPTG
5. Post 5 by Swami Prabodhanand Giri Mahamandaleshwar https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02mvGJdgXfNpWPQ3H3Qha76miGtrWvpF71FkXLRXXG56Lse3BmBooJjkcJz1vUT5V7l&id=100002420099047&mibextid=CDWPTG

17. All of these speeches, posts, fall squarely within the understanding of hate speech that this very court has provided in Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan v Union of India. As the Supreme Court observed:

“7. Hate speech is an effort to marginalise individuals based on their membership in a group. Using expression that exposes the group to hatred, hate speech seeks to delegitimise group members in the eyes of the majority, reducing their social standing and acceptance within society. Hate speech, therefore, rises beyond causing distress to individual group members. It can have a societal impact. Hate speech lays the groundwork for later, broad attacks on vulnerable that can range from discrimination, to ostracism, segregation, deportation, violence and, in the most extreme cases, to genocide.” A copy of this judgement is annexed as Annexure – A.

The situation in Uttarakhand of fear amongst the Muslims, the exodus and threat of violence are the visible harms of hate speech in action as noted by this Supreme Court. More so, the reality presents alarming similarities to the ground work before a genocide.

18. In such a situation the state’s failure to take adequate action is notable given that this was brought to their attention in an open letter dated May 30, written by the Lawyers of the Supreme Court of India to the Governor of Uttarakhand. The letter also noted specifically the actions of the previously mentioned entities in relation to hate-speech and past communal violence.

19. This is despite this honourable Supreme Court in W.P. No.940 of 2022 directing the state of Uttarakhand vide its order dated 21.10.22 “to ensure that immediately as and when any speech or any action takes place which attracts offences such as section 153A, 153B and 295A and 505 of the IPC etc., suo motto action will be taken to register cases even if no complaint is forthcoming and proceed against the offenders in accordance with law.” A copy of this order is annexed as Annexure – B.

20. It is important to note that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has been deeply concerned at the rise of hate speech and mob violence in the country and in Uttarakhand in particular. On 17.07.2018, in its judgement in Tehseen Poonawalla vs. Union of India and Ors., the Court directed all State governments to proactively act against hate speech and mob violence. A copy of this judgement is annexed as Annexure – C.

21. Further, as per the Court’s 21.10.2022 order in Shaheen Abdullah vs. Union of India (WP(C) 940/2022), the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi were specifically directed to “ensure that immediately 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,”. Despite this till date no FIR’s have been registered by the police.

Given the grave threat to the lives and property of minorities and the dereliction of constitutional duty of the State, in Uttarakhand we urge the Hon’ble Supreme Court:

1. Urgently intervene by directing the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand and the Director General of Police to personally ensure that the Mahapanchayat scheduled to take place at Purola on 15.06.2023 and the rally and chakka jam programme on Tehri on 20.06.2023 are denied permissions based on the harm caused by the continuing hate campaigns to the constitutional fabric of the State.
2. The Chief Secretary and DGP, Uttarakhand should be held accountable for the dereliction of their constitutional duty to protect all citizens and ensure law and order in the State.
3. To direct the concerned authorities to immediately register FIR’s under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 against Swami Prabodhanand Giri Mahamandaleshwar, Swami Darshan Bharti, Rakesh Uttarakhandi and Prakash Kumar Dabral, amongst others who threatening the right to life, livelihood and residence of Muslim population in the State of Uttarakhand.
4. To ensure initiation of a thorough investigation regarding the role of organisations such as Rudra Sena, Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal among others, into the incidents of hate speech, vigilantism, and violence targeting the minority community in Uttarakhand taking place in an unabated manner with the full and tacit support of the state administration and police.
5. Ensure the implementation of Supreme Court orders regarding hate speech and mob violence, including the appointment of nodal officers to eradicate hostile environments against targeted communities as spelt out by this court in Tehseen Poonawala case and Shaheen Abdulla cases.
6. Provision of adequate protection to the minority community and individuals, both in their residence as also in their shops and business areas, who are at risk due to the ongoing campaign of hatred.
7. Issuance of clear directives to the state government and law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order, protect minority rights, and prevent any further incidents of violence.

We firmly believe that the judiciary, as the guardian of justice and protector of citizens’ rights, has the power and responsibility to uphold the constitutional values of equality, secularism, and social harmony. By addressing this petition, your Lordship would not only ensure justice for the affected communities but also uphold the principles of our democratic society.

We earnestly request your urgent attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Kavita Srivastava, President

1. Suresh, General Secretary

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The post Stop Uttarakhand Mahapanchayat, could lead to targeted communal violence: Petitions urge CJI appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Waseem Ahmed, media in-charge of Muslim Seva Sangathan told Hindustan Times, “A meeting of Muslim religious leaders was chaired by Dehradun’s Shehar Qazi Mohammad Ahmad Qasmi on Saturday to discuss the current atmosphere of hatred against Muslims across Uttarakhand. A mahapanchayat of Muslim religious leaders will be held on June 18. People from across the state, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haldwani will participate”.

Mohammad Ahmad Qasmi, Dehradun’s Shehar Qazi, while speaking to HT said: “In the hills, innocent Muslims are being forced out. Those who have committed the crime should be punished. The whole community should not be targeted and rendered unemployed because of one person.”

The announcement of this Muslim mahapanchayat did not go down well with the right wing. Swami Darshan Bharti, founder of Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan and one who made objectionable statements against Muslims in Uttarakhand. He had said, “Keep an eye on love Jihadis who are wolves in the form of plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and masons around you. Beware and identify these wolves.”

“You need to protect the dignity of your sisters,” he said and followed this with raising slogans of “Jai Shree Ram”. Addressing a crowd of women, he said that women should beware of these “Love jihadi wolves” and that they should not show any generosity towards them (Muslims)

“Keep an eye on love Jihadis who are wolves in the form of plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and masons around you. Beware and identity these wolves.”

This speech(111K views) by Darshan Bharti was uploaded on FB on May 24 and attacks on Muslims in Uttrakhand started on May 26. pic.twitter.com/yu2FrxybKB

— Vipul Kumar (@vipulizm) June 11, 2023

Bharti said, in response to the Muslim Mahapanchayat, “We will not allow this (mahapanchayat by Muslims) to happen even if we have to take a big step,” reported HT.

Dehradun additional district magistrate (ADM) Shiv Kumar Baranwal said that they have not received any request for permission for Mahapanchayat and if sought, they will take appropriate action.

A Mahapanchayat is set to be held on June 15 by the right wing groups as well to further target the Muslim community.

Background

It can be said that an incident of the abduction of a Hindu girl was merely used as a pretext to cause this mass exodus by creating an atmosphere of terror lined with threats. As class nine student was allegedly abducted by two men, Ubed Khan (24) and Jitendra Kumar Saini (23) who were arrested on May 27. On May 29, a procession was carried out by right wing groups as also businessmen of the area last week and shouted slogans against targeting the Muslim community while threatening them to vacate their shops. Fearing violence, 42 shopkeepers and vendors like street hawkers, vegetable vendors, bicycle repair persons and other such small businesses reportedly fled the area.

The protesting group also sent a memorandum to the Governor through SDM Devanand Sharma demanding the immediate removal of businessmen from a particular (read Muslim) community, with a criminal mindset.

The protest march in Purola on May 29 had turned violent whereby Muslim shops were attacked and over 900 people had taken part in this mob. The memorandum sent by the protestors said, “In the garb of doing business in the town, some people from a particular community have been indulging in immoral activities… thereby, polluting the atmosphere,” as reported by HT.

A detailed timeline of events in Uttarkashi can be read here.

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The post Muslim Mahapanchayat in Uttarakhand to raise concerns over targeting of community appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In the last 2 weeks, up to 10 towns — Purola, Uttarkashi, Mori, Naugaon, Barkot, Chinyalisaur, Dunda, Damta, Netwar and Sankri — have seen strikes/hate rallies calling for Muslims to be denied shops, for extra “verification”, or simply for them to be expelled, pointed out The Polis Project.

How did it all begin?

It can be said that an incident of the abduction of a Hindu girl was merely used as a pretext to cause this mass exodus by creating an atmosphere of terror lined with threats. As class nine student was allegedly abducted by two men, Ubed Khan (24) and Jitendra Kumar Saini (23) who were arrested on May 27. On May 29, a procession was carried out by right wing groups as also businessmen of the area last week and shouted slogans against targeting the Muslim community while threatening them to vacate their shops. Fearing violence, 42 shopkeepers and vendors like street hawkers, vegetable vendors, bicycle repair persons and other such small businesses reportedly fled the area.

The protesting group also sent a memorandum to the Governor through SDM Devanand Sharma demanding the immediate removal of businessmen from a particular (read Muslim) community, with a criminal mindset.

The protest march in Purola on May 29 had turned violent whereby Muslim shops were attacked and over 900 people had taken part in this mob. The memorandum sent by the protestors said, “In the garb of doing business in the town, some people from a particular community have been indulging in immoral activities… thereby, polluting the atmosphere,” as reported by HT.

The boycott spread

What started in Purola then spread to Barkot whereby Muslim shops were left with black cross marks, as a sign of boycott of their businesses. Some even removed the boards of these shops. These miscreants remain unidentified. A local trader from Purola speaking to TOI, said, “The posters asking us to leave or face action are an attempt to intimidate us. Over 30 shops have remained shut since May 26.”

Hindustan Times reported the disturbing incidents in which the poster read:

“Love jihadiyon ko suchit kia jata hai ki dinak June 15, 2023 ko hone wali mahapanchayat hone se purv apni dukanein khali kar de. Yadi tumhae dwara aisa nahi kia jata, toh wakt par nirbhar karega (Love jihadists are informed that they should vacate the shops prior to a mahapanchayat on June 15. If they don’t, it (consequences) will depend on time),” the poster, which calls for ‘Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan’ (campaign for protection of land) said.

Local news reports

On June 9 Hindustan news reported that VHP and Bajrang Dal have released a memo stating that if Muslims are  not evicted from Nainbagh, Jakhar, Nagtibba, Thatyur, Saklana, Damta, Purola, Barkot, Uttarkashi within 10 days then locals will protest and the Yamuna bridge will be blocked.

Pahad ki Dahad Youtube channel posted a video last week with its reporter Surendra Rawat. He had a trishul (trident) strapped on his back. Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyaan (Movement to save land of gods) leader Swami Darshan Bharti was garlanded on the streets. Bharti said that our ancestors never let such jihadis to stay here and now we are proud that they have been asked to leave from Uttarakhand and jihadis should not be entertained and no one should deal with them in business. He said “this our first wave Awareness. The public is getting aware and has now awakened. We had started this campaign for the security of this Devbhoomi (land of gods). Today the public is also participating in this”.

“Pahad ke logo ne tay kar lia hai ki khaskar Uttarkashi se chingari uthi hai ki Muslim samuday k log hai unko yaha par katay bhi bardasht nahi kia jayega unki dukaane band karane ki chetwani di hai. 30-35 dukano ko 15 din ke andar dukaan khali karne ki chetawni di gai hai aur yaha se hatt jane ko kaha gaya hai kyuki Hindu samaj ka kehna hai ki yaha par pahad ki bholi bhali ladkiyo ko bhagane ka kaam ye kar rahe hai” (the people of the mountains have decided that they will not tolerate Muslims here. Aorund 30-35 shopkeepers have been asked to vacate and leave the area because Hindus feel that Muslims trap innocent Hindu girls). He also mentioned the “encroachment” of land by putting up mazaars everywhere and called it “Land jihad”.

on June 11 a video was posted by journalist Meer Faisal, where a mob could be seen vandalising a premises in Uttarkashi with lathis, trying to break a door down. It was unclear what the premises were but it has been reported that they were ransacking the shops and houses of Muslims traders whilst raising “Jai Shree Ram” slogans. The way the police are seen dealing with these goons and mobsters is shameful to say the least.

In Uttarkashi’s Purola, a Hindu mob ransacked shops and houses of Muslim traders while raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram. Posters threatening to vacate the shops of Muslim traders were put up in the main market of Purola before June 15. Muslims are migrating, and vandalism is also… pic.twitter.com/ewWjPALUzR

— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) June 11, 2023

Direct threats issued

On June 10, the Pahad Ki dahad Youtube channel interviewed with a right wing goons who said, “I appeal to you that this is Devbhoomi and not a land of Mullahs and Maulwis. Get them to vacate their shops and houses. If you are okay buying things from these people who kill our daughters, then you are on the path of adharm.”

According to him, to walk on the path of Dharma is to get Muslims to vacate their shops and homes and leave Uttarakhand. Basically to implement the mass exodus of Muslims from the state. He also said that they have spoken to many shopkeepers who will remove Muslim who are employed as workers.

The shops being locked down were also shown in the video. When the reporter questioned one of he shopkeepers, he said, “there were only shops (of Muslims) here and we have already told them to vacate. This invoked an applause from others standing with him.

Shops of #Muslims are being vacated in #Uttarakhand, they are being thrown out of jobs.

Everything is happening under the supervision of police administration, #Muslims are migrating from #Uttarkashi.#SaveUttarakhandMuslim pic.twitter.com/lhAwrECM9v

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) June 10, 2023

Swami Prabhodhanand Giri Mahamandaleshwar uploaded a video on June 9 raising the same trope of “Love jihad” and raised slogans of ‘Uttarakhand Bachao, Jihadi Bhagao’. He congratulated those who have caused the mass exodus of Muslim from Uttarkashi and said that entire state should be free of Muslims. He said that this campaign should go on till the last of the Muslims leave Uttarakhand. “If you want to save your daughters, your land, your temples then they have to be evicted”

Journalist Alishan Jafri pointed out how Zee News covered this news. While the show on display raised the question “Uttarkashi se kyu bhagaye jaa rahe hai Muslim dukandar? (Why are Muslim shopowners being chased away from Uttarkashi?). the title of the video read, “Uttarakhand me ‘Love jihadiyo’ ko last warning (Last warning to Love Jihadis in Uttarakhand).

They speak as they flee

Further, TV9 Uttarakhand spoke to some Muslims who were fleeing from Purola. Md. Wasim, who was doing a job of washing cars and was staying in Purola for the past 8 years was interviewed by the channel. He said that the landlord did not directly ask him to leave but said that it is up to whether to leave since tensions are brewing. He and his family said they are going by their own will since the atmosphere in the town is bad and will come back when things settle down. Another Muslim shop owner said that they don’t wish to leave but they are compelled to do so since the shop has been closed and there’s no money to buy even food.

When these speeches are available in the public domain, why is the state government and police not following the Supreme court directive on hate speech in its letter and spirit?https://t.co/5RwaalMCFy

— Alishan Jafri (@alishan_jafri) June 11, 2023

Lawyers raised concerns over contempt of SC by police

On May 30 some lawyers of Supreme Court wrote to Uttarakhand Governor highlighting the instance of hate speech and violence and how the state’s police have been acting in contempt of the Supreme Court by not following the court’s order.

What were the Supreme Court’s orders?

On April 28, the Supreme Court, in a significant development, the Supreme Court extended the

application of its October 2022 order (which directed the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Police to take suo motu action against hate speech cases) to all States and Union Territories.

So now, all States/UTs, including Maharashtra, are enjoined and bound to take suo moto action to register FIR against hate speeches, without waiting for any formal complaint. The bench

comprising Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna said the following:

“Respondents (states) shall ensure that immediately, as and when any speech or any action takes place which attracts offences such as Section 153A, 153B, 295A and 506 of IPC etc, without any complaint being filed suo moto action be taken to register cases and proceed against the offenders in accordance with law. Respondents will issue directions to the subordinates so that appropriate action can be taken at the earliest. We further make it clear that such action be taken irrespective of the religion of the maker of the speech, so that the secular character of Bharat as envisaged by the Preamble is preserved.”

wherein it had directed that:

“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.”

The court had further said that non-compliance would amount to contempt of court:

“We make it clear that any hesitation to act in accordance with this direction will be viewed as contempt of this Court and appropriate action will be taken against the erring officers,” the order reads.

On February 3, 2023, the Supreme Court issued directions with respect to an event which was scheduled to be held in Mumbai on February 5, 2023 by the

Sakal Hindu Samaj, another extremist fringe Hindutva group. The petitioner, Shaheen Abdullah, had contended that similar to its anti-Muslim speech during ‘Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha’ held in Mumbai on January 29, it can be apprehended that the same will be repeated during the February 5 meeting as well. The apex court had thus sought a video of the entire event to be scrutinised by the court at the next hearing. The court has also taken an undertaking from the government of Maharashtra that if permission for this event is granted “it will be subject to the condition that nobody will make any hate speech and in defiance of law or disturbing the public order.”

The court also outlined directives with respect to taking preventive action in such cases:

“We also direct that the Officer(s), in case, permission is granted and, in case, the occasion arises for invoking the power under Section 151 of Cr.P.C. as aforesaid, it shall be the duty of the Officer(s) concerned to invoke the said power and to act as per the mandate of Section 151 of the Cr.P.C.”

Conclusion

The intolerance and unwillingness of the right wing groups to let the minority community to live peacefully in the state has been evident in the many incidents that can be called precursors to the situation today. The eruption of Radha Semwal Dhoni as a hate offender, threatening, intimidating Muslim vendors on the streets, demanding to see their Identity cards is among the events. Further, the repeated and persistent claims of illegal mazaars in the forests and government land in the state and calling it encroachment is also responsible. The news channels that carried on with the trope of “mazaar jihad” are equally responsible for this mass exodus. This trope was introduced by the state’s CM  Pushkar Dhami himself. Being the Chief Minister, the one with the people’s mandate, Dhami can be said to be completely responsible for the current state of affairs. Three days ago, he also said that “Love jihad” will not be tolerated in the state. This statement was made amidst tensions brewing in Uttarkashi. In April, he had said that ‘land jihad’ and ‘mazaar jihad’ will not be tolerated in the state.

The inaction of the police is evident in the fact that the exodus continues as Muslim community does not have any assurance that they will be protected by the police from unruly, anti-social right wing elements who have decided to chase them away. The attitude of the Chief Minister is not of much help either. The future of the Muslims in Uttarakhand is daunting unless the high court or Supreme Court takes matter in its hands.

Related:

Uttarkashi: Cross marks, “leave” threats on Muslim shops, hatred spreads to other towns: Uttarakhand

Uttarkashi: Muslims flee homes as right wing threatens the community over abduction of young girl

Radha Semwal Dhoni: Emerging far right menace in Uttarakhand

Repeat offender Radha Semwal snatches Aadhar cards of Muslim traders, threatens them

The post The biggest exodus of the decade: Muslims leave Uttarkashi amidst threats, hate speech appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The mass exodus followed the incident on June 29 when two groups landed into the clash with each other over a truck loaded with sand. According to a local source, Dr. Nisar Ahmad, a resident of the same village, had called a sand truck for some of his work, but the truck was allegedly overloaded.

Manoj Dwivedi, the former village head, and his brother Rajendra Dwivedi immediately started filming the sand trucks entering into the village with their cellphones. This matter led to a clash between Dr Nisar and Dwivedis, who have been alleging Nisar as a member of the Sand Mafia.

The sources further informed that people from both the sides gathered at the site of the clash, and soon it turned into a violent episode. Followed by this, a case was registered at Sarai Akil police station against 11 named individual including Dr Nisar and about 60 unnamed people. Charges put are sections 307, 147, 148, 323 and 504 of Indian Penal Code.

Soon after the FIR was filed, the local police started raiding the Muslim colonies and houses in Surseni village, making police action look biased against one community. The locals have alleged that the Police have been acting only against Muslims after receiving such order from Sanjay Gupta, a BJP MLA from Chail constituency of Kaushambi.

The locals, as well as the sources, have alleged that while Police successfully arrested seven people named in the FIR, it continued the search for the remaining four people. During their raid, Police allegedly barged into the houses of Muslims and mistreated women and children for several days. As per the locals, the police action has been “religiously” as well as “politically” motivated.

Aggravated by the police actions, Muslims of the village started abandoning the village by locking their houses and taking their belongings with them. Soon, the issue caught the attention of Reena Shukla, the current village head, who rushed to the Muslim neighbourhood and promised an end to atrocities. While few families stopped, but many decided not to stay. The practices to call them back to the village have already started, and reportedly, few families have returned back on the assurance of justice.

However, police deny that any such exodus has ever happened in the village. Hemant Mishra, the Station House Officer at Sarai Akil, said, “The accused Nisar is part of the sand mafia, and we were there on the spot on June 29 to catch him red-handed. But when the sand trucks came in, we immediately got stuck in violence with Nisar and his companions. Muslims of the village joined them in attacking us, followed by which we filed FIR.”

“But the allegation of police atrocity is completely false. We did out pressure to arrest the rest, but we did not raid houses and mistreated locals to arrest the rest accused,” added Mishra accepting the fact that several families have fled the village “to escape arrest”.

Rajendra Dwivedi, one of the brothers who locals have accused, talked to TwoCircles.net after saying that “I am a Hindu, so I have a Hindu ideology”. Dwivedi said, “They are complete frauds, no such exodus has happened in that village. My brother has been the head for 15 years and I know their reality.”

When asked how he got involved in the issue, Dwivedi said, “Let’s say that I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. The police stopped a sand truck but Nisar and his friends attacked them, and even me and my brother Manoj,” adding that the whole exodus fiasco has happened after “few Samajwadi Party-backed Muslim journalists asked locals to do so just for pictures.” Dwivedi denied any direct association with BJP leader Sanjay Gupta saying that he only voted for him in the elections.

Sanjay Gupta too said that no exodus has ever happened in the village. He said, “Palayan nahin, nataunki kar rahe hain. Aur ye sab kuch patrkar logon ka karnaama hai. (This is not an exodus, but just a drama which is scripted by few journalists).”

Gupta said that he has been taking inputs from the police and sure that police did not raid houses, and it did not threaten or mistreat Muslim families on his orders or request. “Police were just trying to arrest one guy who was doing illegal work, but this all drama is of opposition in Kaushambi whom I have defeated in elections,” said Gupta. “This is just an episode of politics of blame for which I am being victimized.”

This is not the first episode of Muslim exodus in UP because of police torture. Last year, Muslims fled Paida village of Bijnor in western Uttar Pradesh after police allegedly killed three Muslims in order to raid for arresting accused.

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