A recent incident that occurred on or around September 4, at Sojat Road, Pali, Rajasthan, where Bajrang Dal leaders distributed tridents among its 1100 members, is of significant concern as it underscores a growing trend of religious polarization and communalism in the region. The video was uploaded by Hindutva Watch on September 4[1].

In the video, individuals dressed in saffron scarves were seen taking a pledge in Hindi, emphasizing their commitment to Hindutva, referring to India as a Hindu nation, and holding tridents in hand. The pledge focused on protecting “Hindu Dharam” (Hindu religion), “Hindu Sanskriti” (Hindu culture), and “Hindu Samaj” (Hindu society). Participants pledged to work towards the betterment of what they considered a Hindu nation.

Distribution of Tridents: The act of distributing tridents during this event holds deep symbolism within the context of Hindutva (religion-based exclusivist nationalism) and has far-reaching implications:

1. Commitment to Hindutva Ideology: The participants, adorned in saffron scarves, symbolising this brand of Hinduism, took a solemn pledge in Hindi. This pledge was not merely a show of faith but also an overt expression of their unwavering commitment to Hindutva. They openly proclaimed their allegiance to an ideology that seeks to establish India as a Hindu-only nation.
2. Hindu Nation Narrative: In the pledge, participants referred to India as a “Hindu nation.” This framing is central to the Hindutva ideology, which contends that India’s identity and culture should be exclusively Hindu. This assertion goes against the principles of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equal rights and freedoms to all religious communities.
3. Protection of Hinduism and Culture: The participants pledged to protect “Hindu Dharam” (Hindu religion), “Hindu Sanskriti” (Hindu culture), and “Hindu Samaj” (Hindu society). This underscores their belief that these elements are under threat from other religious communities. Such rhetoric fosters an “us vs. them” mentality, which can lead to social divisions and conflicts.
4. Working for the “Betterment of a Hindu Nation”: The participants committed to working for the betterment of what they perceived as a Hindu nation. While working for the betterment of society is a noble cause, the framing of this commitment in a religious context raises concerns about the potential exclusion and discrimination against religious minorities.

Implications: The distribution of tridents and the accompanying pledge carry significant implications for communal harmony and the rights of religious minorities in India:

1. Threat to Secularism: The assertion of India as a “Hindu nation” and the commitment to protect Hinduism and culture at the expense of other religions undermine the secular principles enshrined in India’s Constitution. This could erode the rights and freedoms of religious minorities.
2. Communal Polarisation: Such events contribute to communal polarization and tensions, fostering mistrust and animosity among different religious communities. This can lead to interfaith conflicts and violence.
3. Erosion of Pluralism: India’s strength has traditionally been its cultural and religious diversity. The promotion of a singular religious identity threatens this pluralism and the coexistence of various faiths.
4. Impact on Minorities: Religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, may feel marginalized and targeted by such events. This can have a detrimental impact on their sense of belonging and security in the country.

In conclusion, the distribution of tridents in Rajasthan is not merely a symbolic act but a manifestation of a broader ideological movement that poses challenges to the secular and pluralistic fabric of India. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort by government authorities, civil society, and religious leaders to promote tolerance, understanding, and social harmony while upholding the principles of the Indian Constitution.

Comments on social media posts and discussions around the incident have highlighted concerns about the Rajasthan police’s ability to address such issues effectively. Many argue that the distribution of tridents in a secular nation like India goes against constitutional values of religious freedom and equality.

Background of Rajasthan with respect to events of Trident Distribution by political groups-

Rajasthan, a state in northwestern India known for its rich cultural heritage and diversity, has been witnessing a concerning trend of trident distribution by political groups, particularly those associated with the far-right Hindutva ideology. These incidents have raised serious questions about interfaith relations and communal harmony in the region.

This incident is not an isolated one.

1. On January 23, an RSS pracharak (publicist) named Ishwar Lal distributed tridents in Lohwat district of Rajasthan. In his speech, he alluded to the conversion of temples into mosques, emphasizing the need to reclaim these sites for Hindu worship[2].
2. In December 2022, a similar event involving trishul (trident) distribution and hate speech against Muslims took place. Reports suggest that around 500-700 people attended this event. Similar trishul distribution events were reportedly held in places like Balesar, Rampura, Osiyan, and Dechu across Rajasthan[3].

Historical Context

Rajasthan, like many parts of India, has a complex historical backdrop when it comes to interfaith relations and communal dynamics. The state has witnessed periodic interfaith tensions and communal incidents over the years. These historical tensions, coupled with the resurgence of far-right ideologies like Hindutva, contribute to the contemporary communal landscape in the region.

Political Environment and Upcoming Elections

The political environment in Rajasthan has a significant influence on the prevalence of such incidents. Rajasthan has experienced periods of political polarisation, and with elections approaching, there may be attempts to exploit religious sentiments to gain electoral support. This can further exacerbate communal tensions.

In conclusion, the distribution of tridents by political groups in Rajasthan reflects a growing trend of religious polarization and communalism, with implications for social harmony and the rights of religious minorities. The historical context, political environment, and recent incidents underscore the need for proactive efforts by authorities, civil society, and religious leaders to promote tolerance, understanding, and adherence to constitutional values in the state.

Motivations and Ideology of the Far-Right Group:

The distribution of tridents in Rajasthan by far-right groups like the Bajrang Dal is deeply rooted in the ideology of Hindutva, which holds several key motivations and beliefs that drive their actions:

1. Establishing India as a Hindu-Only Nation:
   • At the core of Hindutva ideology is the ambition to transform India into a Hindu-only nation. This involves the assertion of Hindu cultural, religious, and political dominance to the exclusion of other religious communities.
   • Hindutva proponents believe that India should be a homeland for Hindus and that the country’s identity should reflect a Hindu character. This exclusivist vision challenges the secular principles enshrined in India’s Constitution, which guarantees equal rights and freedoms to all religious groups.
2. Cultural and Political Supremacy of Hindus:
   • Hindutva promotes the idea of the cultural and political supremacy of Hindus. It posits that Hindus should have a dominant role in all aspects of Indian society, including politics, education, and cultural expression.
   • This belief system often leads to the marginalization and discrimination of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, as they are seen as outsiders or threats to the dominant Hindu culture.
3. Marginalizing Religious Minorities:
   • One of the main motivations behind Hindutva is the marginalization of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. Hindutva ideology paints these religious groups as foreign to India’s cultural and historical identity.
   • By advocating for policies and actions that undermine the rights and freedoms of religious minorities, Hindutva proponents aim to create a hostile environment where non-Hindus are pressured to assimilate or face discrimination.
4. Protection and Promotion of “Hinduism”:
   • Far-right groups like the Bajrang Dal see themselves as protectors and promoters of a brand of militarised Hinduism that they represent. They believe that an exclusivist and caste superiority-based Hinduism and its cultural heritage are under threat from external influences, particularly from Abrahamic religions.
   • This belief drives them to take actions such as distributing tridents as symbolic gestures of their commitment to safeguarding “Hinduism.” The trident, a traditional Hindu religious symbol, is here (mis)used to convey their dedication to the cause; worse to signal, threat, intimidation and violence.
5. Symbolism and Identity:
   • The distribution of tridents serves as a symbolic representation of their commitment to the Hindutva cause. It not only marks participants as loyal to the ideology but also sends a message to others about the group’s intentions.
   • These symbolic acts are often used as a means of mobilizing and radicalizing followers, solidifying their identity within the extremist group and creating a sense of belonging.

In summary, the motivations of far-right groups like the Bajrang Dal in distributing tridents are driven by their adherence to the Hindutva ideology, which represents a militarised and violent brand of the faith, seeks to establish Hindu cultural and political dominance while marginalizing religious minorities. These actions represent a significant challenge to the principles of secularism and pluralism in India and have led to communal tensions and conflicts in various parts of the country

Factors Contributing to the Violence in Rajasthan:

1. Rising Extremism:
   • The emergence and growth of extremist ideologies, particularly Hindutva, have contributed significantly to communal tensions and incidents in Rajasthan. Hindutva, a right-wing ideology, advocates for the cultural and political supremacy of Hindus and often marginalizes religious minorities, such as Muslims and Christians.
   • This extremist ideology has gained momentum in recent years and has found a following among certain segments of the population. The distribution of tridents is one of the ways in which extremist groups symbolize their commitment to this ideology.
2. Historical Tensions:
   • Rajasthan has a history of interfaith tensions and communal conflicts that continue to influence the present-day dynamics. Past incidents of communal clashes, disputes over religious sites, and historical grievances have left deep-seated tensions within the society.
   • These historical tensions can resurface and exacerbate in the presence of provocative actions like the distribution of tridents. Such incidents tap into existing communal fault lines and can easily trigger violence or unrest.
3. Political Environment:
   • The political environment in Rajasthan, like in many parts of India, plays a crucial role in the prevalence of communal tensions. Elections, both state and national, often become platforms where religious sentiments are exploited to gain electoral support.
   • Political parties may use divisive rhetoric and communal polarization as a strategy to mobilize their voter base. In the lead-up to elections, there is a heightened risk of religious and communal issues being manipulated for political gain.
   • The proximity of elections can further polarize communities along religious lines as parties vie for the support of particular religious or ethnic groups, deepening the fault lines in society.
4. Economic and Social Factors:
   • Socio-economic disparities and competition for resources can also contribute to communal tensions. In regions where resources are scarce, competition among different communities for jobs, land, and access to services can lead to conflicts.
   • Economic disparities can create a sense of insecurity and resentment, which can be exploited by extremist groups to further their agenda. These groups may promise economic benefits and protection to members of their own religious or ethnic community, intensifying divisions.
5. Lack of Effective Governance:
   • The effectiveness of local governance and law enforcement agencies in addressing communal tensions and preventing violence is crucial. In cases where authorities fail to act swiftly and impartially, it can embolden extremist groups and exacerbate tensions.
   • A perception of bias or ineffectiveness on the part of law enforcement can erode trust in the authorities and encourage vigilantism, making it more challenging to maintain social harmony.

Government and Community Responses to Trident Distribution Incidents:

The distribution of tridents by far-right groups in Rajasthan has indeed raised concerns, and both government and community responses play a crucial role in addressing these issues:

Government Response:

1. Investigation and Accountability:
   • It is imperative that the local authorities and law enforcement agencies conduct a thorough investigation into incidents involving the distribution of tridents and hate speech against religious minorities. Those responsible for organizing and participating in such events must be identified and held legally accountable.
   • Legal action against individuals and groups promoting hate speech and religious intolerance sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated under the law.
2. Ensuring Safety and Well-being:
   • The government should take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of religious minorities in the area. This includes providing adequate security and protection to vulnerable communities.
   • Building trust among minority communities is essential, and the government can play a pivotal role in fostering an environment where religious minorities feel secure and protected.
3. Education and Awareness:
   • Government institutions, particularly in the field of education, should promote tolerance, diversity, and interfaith understanding. Integrating these values into the curriculum can help combat extremist ideologies from an early age.
   • Public awareness campaigns can also be launched to educate citizens about the importance of religious pluralism and the values of the Indian Constitution.
4. Political Accountability:
   • Political leaders have a responsibility to condemn and distance themselves from extremist groups and ideologies that promote communalism. Political parties should avoid using religious polarization as a means of gaining electoral support.
   • The electorate can hold politicians accountable for their statements and actions that contribute to communal tensions

In conclusion, the distribution of tridents and the accompanying rise of religious polarisation and communalism in Rajasthan present a pressing challenge to the values of secularism, pluralism, and social harmony enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Due to the threat and aggression of intended (targeted) violence they affect the minorities and also contribute to social disharmony apart from a disruption of public order. Worse, such highly publicised “events” driven by the far-right Hindutva ideology, threaten the coexistence of diverse religious communities and the rights of religious minorities.

The historical context, the political environment, and recent events underscore the urgency of proactive efforts by government authorities, civil society, and religious leaders to promote tolerance, understanding, and adherence to constitutional values in the state. It is essential to address the root causes, foster interfaith dialogue, hold those promoting hate speech accountable, and provide support to victims of communal violence. Only through a collective commitment to these principles can Rajasthan and India as a whole preserve their cultural diversity and uphold the principles of democracy and equality for all.

[1] https://twitter.com/HindutvaWatchIn/status/1698545153579892952

[2] https://twitter.com/HindutvaWatchIn/status/1616666185478684672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1616666185478684672%7Ctwgr%5Eab67d54c0e3e6d3c70cb8bcfd431c4d9da4451ea%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.siasat.com%2Frajasthan-vhp-bajrang-dal-distribute-trishuls-to-1100-youth-2521103%2F

[3] https://www.siasat.com/rajasthan-vhp-bajrang-dal-distribute-trishuls-to-1100-youth-2521103/

Related:

Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal organized a Trishul Deeksha (trident) distribution event.

CJP moves NCM against arms training camps, weapon distribution events in Assam and Rajasthan

Hindutva leader Pravin Togadia announces distribution of Trishuls (tridents) among 20 million (2 crore) Hindus

Another event of Trishul distribution

Arm yourself with knowledge, not tridents, swords or knives

The post Far right, Hindutva ideology sparks concerns: tridents and pledges deepen communal divides in India’s Heartland appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Of the total of 33 districts in Rajasthan, in at least 13 districts the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad have been hyper active. By organising their brand of Trishul Diksha Samaroh. The first event was organized on December 3, 2022 in a village in Jodhpur district. Since then until now five such events have been organised in Jodhpur district alone.

But it is Jaipur District that tops this dubious list with the district that is home to the famed Pint City together hosting six events in  five months! From December 3, 2022 to May 9, 2023, 19 such Trishul Diksha have been organized in 13 districts.

What is a Trishul Diksha Samaroh?

CJP’s Team has been closely monitoring these events and even alerting police authorities and once, even chief minister Ashok Gahlot on the dangers of violence escalation if such meetings are allowed, unchecked.

Even in the past week alone, between May 27, 2023 and June 6, 2023,five events took place in which military style street parades were held at three (Jalore, Udaipur, Jodhpur) places and arms training at two Places (Chittorgarh, Fatehpur).

What happens at such a meeting? 

A few examples alone will suffice. For example on May 3, at Sanganer in Rajasthan a far right leader made the following provocative remarks that have the potential to disturb social harmony and result in mental and physical harm to both the Muslim and Christian communities by their stigmatisation.

He delivered a hate speech against Muslims and Christians at a Trishul Deeksha (trident distribution) event. “There are 5 crore Christians, and 50 crore Muslims in India. Out of these Muslims, 60 lakh are terrorists. In addition to this, there are certain people who are trying to divide India, all these people are our enemies. all these Muslims and Christians are fighting as one.

The day before at Gharsana, Rajasthan another a far right leader advocated for taking up arms as well as violence against minorities. The leader misrepresented Indian history to urge the audience to worship weapons, and sent the message that only by taking up can they save their Hindu religion.

On April at Mathania, VHP’s senior leader Surendra Jain delivered hate speech against Muslims at a Trishul Deeksha event. He peddled conspiracy theories and advocated violence while delivering an instigating and islamophobic speech: “We have to understand why Muslims have such a mentality and then only we can cure it. their mentality to commit jihad and make India Darul Islam has been encouraged by secular ministers such as Ashok Gehlot and Mamata Banerjee ” “This war is going to get bigger because there are many people like Gehlot who go to any limit to get some votes

On February 2, 2023 none less than Baba Ramdev was a chief host who said, “Ask a Muslim what your religion says, they will say that read namaz 5 times and then do whatever comes to mind. Whether you kidnap Hindu girls, do whatever sin you want to commit. They think that the meaning of Islam is only namaz.” “And for them, heaven means wearing pajamas over their ankles, cutting their mustaches, wear their caps. I am not saying that the Quran or any Islam tell them to do this. But that’s how people are doing it.

On January 15 this year, at Lokhawat, Jodhpur, one Ishwar Lal belonging to both the BD and VHP went so far as to say, ““We allow dogs and cats inside our house. And in many homes, you all allow Muslims and Christians. The ones who broke our temples. The one who kills our cows. The one who eats cows.”

“You buy Halal products. Never buy products that are ‘Halal’. Who gets that money? It goes to Muslims. What’s the name of the organization that stops this? Bajrang Dal.” “Population control bill has to be enacted. Otherwise, the temples will again be destroyed.”

Ishwar Lal seems to have been the chosen star of the Hindutva right. Before this he ws heard in the Keru Block of Jodhpur on December 17 stating, “Today, the Hindu religion is in danger. We have to show unity. And right now, our first enemies are Christians.” “Mother Teresa converted thousands of Indians to Christianity” “The second enemies are Muslims. Their objective is “we took Pakistan happily, and now we will take India forcefully” “every Hindu house should have a weapon. What can one not achieve by searching?”

View the entire table compiled by Team CJP here: 

View CJP’s Nafrat ka Naqsha here

In early May too we had reported on these disturbing trends More than 2,600 men, women and children have taken an oath to protect their Hindu religion by accepting trishuls (tridents) from far right organisations like VHP and Bajrang Dal in Haryana and Rajasthan in the month of April alone. On April 2, in Kekri Rajasthan, 1,100 Bajrang Dal workers were handed out trishuls. This included young women as well. This was done in Arya Samaj premises and the oath was administered by Sunderlal Kataria, a local VHP leader. A rally was also carried out.

CJP is dedicated to finding and bringing to light instances of Hate Speech, so that the bigots propagating these venomous ideas can be unmasked and brought to justice. To learn more about our campaign against hate speech, please become a member. To support our initiatives, please donate now!

At a two-day meeting of the Matsya Literary gathering Progressive Writers Association (PWA) at Machadi, Tehsil Raini, District Alwar on March 19, 2023, a strongly worded resolution was passed appealing to the people and government to resist the politics of division and hate..

“We also believe that the symbiotic relationship of minority communalism and majority communalism can not be ignored and call upon a cessation of hate-filled slogans at protest rallies and action against disinformation-led online campaigns that feed off the insecurities of our minorities and promote targeted acts of violence. “The scourge of sectarian hate is also directed at other disadvantaged groups including Christians and Dalits, who have also come under attack from divisive forces.

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

Neighbouring Gujarat and other states have also not been immune.

Forty days into 2023, we had reported a string of such events in Rajasthan and showcased their dangers to social harmony.

We had then iterated an interesting historiographical background:

“The November 2001 edition of Communalism Combat reported about the many trishul deeksha events in Rajasthan, “Of immediate concern is the systematic distribution of a few hundred thousand ‘trishuls’ — cleverly disguised Rampuri knives, six–eight inches long and sharp enough to kill —, delivering the lethal instrument to ‘every Hindu household’ in villages where the Trishul Diksha Samaroh is conducted. As we go to press, over seven districts in Rajasthan have had active ‘trishul’ distribution programmes. Raipur, Kota, Jaipur and Asind are only some of the places around which the campaign was being carried out. Most others have also been covered in this brazen attempt to militarise society in the garb of a religious programme”.

“At that time, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had revealed that nearly 40 lakh trishuls had been distributed nationwide by then.

“Similar Trishul Diksha events were held across Rajasthan in early 2003, in the run up to assembly elections in the state. Rajasthan is set to go to polls at the end of this year. In April 2003, the Rajasthan government had issued a notification prohibiting people from distributing, acquiring, possessing or carrying double or multi-bladed sharp pointed weapons.

“It is probably time to remind the Ashok Gehlot government of its own notification that it seems to have forgotten. The fact that most of these trishul distribution events have been reported in Congress governed and poll bound Rajasthan is a matter of grave concern. It  shows  the growing influence of prominent right wing organizations and their ideology deeply seeping into a communally harmonious state and this also displays the inaction on the part of the ruling government under Gehlot which is allowing such extremist ideology to be disseminated.

Citizens had complained to the Rajasthan government in January 2023 on the grave issue pointing out the violations of the law attracted by these events.

Violations

 Section 2 (1) (c) of the Arms Act defines “arms” as: Articles of any description designed or adapted as weapons for offences, or defence, and includes firearms, sharp-edged and other deadly weapons, and parts of, and machinery for manufacturing arms, but does not include articles designed solely for domestic or agricultural uses such as a lathi or an ordinary walking stick and weapons incapable of being used otherwise than as toys or of being converted into serviceable weapons.”

When it comes to sharp object that may be used as weapons, according to Schedule 1 – Rule 3 (V) that deals with arms other than fire arms: Sharp-edged and deadly weapons, namely-Swords (including sword-sticks), daggers, bayonets, spears (including lances and javelins); battle-axes, knives (including kripans and khukries) and other such weapons with blades longer than 9″ or wider than 2″ other than those designed for domestic, agricultural, scientific or industrial purposes, steel baton; “Zipo” and other such weapons, called “life preservers”, machinery for making arms, other than category II, and any other arms which the Central Government may notify under section 4.”

Under section 5 of the Arms Act, it is prohibited to offer arms for sale, unless he holds a license and the punishment for the same is imprisonment of up to 7 years.

Under section 20, a police officer or any other public servant or any person employed or working upon a railway, aircraft, vessel, vehicle can arrest without warrant any person found carrying or conveying any arms under suspicious circumstance.

Under section 22, the District Magistrate is empowered to issue orders for search and seizure if he/she has reason to believe that any person residing within the local limits as in his possession any arms or ammunition for any unlawful purpose or such person cannot be left in the possession of any arms or ammunition without danger to the public peace or safety.

Under section 25(3) whoever sells or transfers arms without informing the district magistrate or the police officer in charge of nearest police station shall be punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months. It also amounts to violations under the Indian penal Code under the following sections:

Section 122. Collecting arms, etc., with intention of waging war against the Government of India. — Whoever collects men, arms or ammunition or otherwise prepares to wage war with the intention of either waging or being prepared to wage war against the 2[Government of India], shall be punished with 1[imprisonment for life] or imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, 15[and shall also be liable to fine].

Section 153AA. Punishment for knowingly carrying arms in any procession or organising, or holding or taking part in any mass drill or mass training with arms.—Whoever knowingly carries arms in any procession or organizes or holds or takes part in any mass drill or mass training with arms in any public place in contravention of any public notice or order issued or made under section 144A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees.

Explanation. —“Arms” means articles of any description designed or adapted as weapons for offence or defence and includes firearms, sharp edged weapons, lathis, dandas and sticks]. 120A. Definition of criminal conspiracy. —When two or more persons agree to do, or cause to be done, — (1) an illegal act, or (2) an act which is not illegal by illegal means, such an agreement is designated a criminal conspiracy: Provided that no agreement except an agreement to commit an offence shall amount to a criminal conspiracy unless some act besides the agreement is done by one or more parties to such agreement in pursuance thereof. Explanation. —It is immaterial whether the illegal act is the ultimate object of such agreement, or is merely incidental to that object

Section 121. Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India. —Whoever wages war against the 2[Government of India], or attempts to wage such war, or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished with death, or 1[imprisonment for life] 3[and shall also be liable to fine].

Section 141. Unlawful assembly. —An assembly of five or more persons is designated an “unlawful assembly”, if the common object of the persons composing that assembly is—

if any class of 2[citizens of India], 3[by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise], insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 4[three years], or with fine, or with both.]

Section 298. Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings. —Whoever, with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person or makes any gesture in the sight of that persons or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Criminal intimidation. —Whoever threatens another with any injury to his person, reputation or property, or to the person or reputation of any one in whom that person is interested, with intent to cause alarm to that person, or to cause that person to do any act which he is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do any act which that person is legally entitled to do, as the means of avoiding the execution of such threat, commits criminal intimidation.

Section 504. Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace. —Whoever intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace, or to commit any other offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Section 505. Statements conducing to public mischief. —2[(1)] Whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report, — (a) with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, any officer, soldier, 3[sailor or airman] in the Army, 4[Navy or Air Force] 5[of India] to mutiny or otherwise disregard or fail in his duty as such; or (b) with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquility; or (c) with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite, any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to 6[three years], or with fine, or with both.

Section 7[(2) Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes.—Whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement or report containing rumour or alarming news with intent to create or promote, or which is likely to create or promote, on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other ground whatsoever, feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) also enumerates the powers of the District Magistrate in such instances:

‘Section 144A. Power to prohibit carrying arms in procession or mass drill or mass training with arms.— (1) The District Magistrate may, whenever he considers it necessary so to do for the preservation of public peace or public safety or for the maintenance of public order, by public notice or by order, prohibit in any area within the local limits of his jurisdiction, the carrying of arms in any procession or the organising or holding of, or taking part in, any mass drill or mass training with arms in any public place. There are also powers to disperse unlawful assemblies (sec 129). Rajasthan notification against Trishuls

Way back in 2003, the Rajasthan government under Mr Ashok Gehlot who was the Chief Minister even then. Had issued a notification was issued under Arms Act and stated that ‘distribution, keeping, and carrying of sharp, pointed and two- or multi-bladed weapons’ was banned.

The notification clarified that the order would not affect the use of trishuls in religious places and functions. Mr. Gehlot had then made a statement that his government considers the trident a weapon distributed to create communal disharmony.

The state of Rajasthan has clearly had a history of being intolerant towards such fringe elements trying to disrupt the communal harmony and the general law and order situation in the state.

Relying on this citizens had urged stringent action against Ishwar Lal for organizing such events and to ensure that the event scheduled to be held on January 15, 2023 is halted and prevented at all costs. We, thus, humbly request you to look into this grave matter at the earliest, in the interest of the public and also in the interest of maintaining law and order and public order in the state and accordingly take stringent action against the organizers of such events. We urge you to give necessary directions to concerned authorities to take stringent action in this regard.

However it appears in the lead up to election year, a oft approach has been adopted by the powers that be in the state of Rajasthan. An approach that however seriously endangers social peace and harmony.

The post 13 of Rajasthan’s 33 districts host Trishul Diksha Samarohs, spawn hate against Christians, & Muslims appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Rajasthan

From Dablana came a video on April 30 where VHP and Bajrang Dal distributed trishuls to hundreds of men and administered an oath to protect the nation and religion.

Location: Dablana, Rajasthan

Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang distribute Trishuls (tridents) among hundreds of Hindu men. pic.twitter.com/5pw8FpMFD4

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) April 30, 2023

In Banswara, about 500 Hindus were given trishuls by VHP and Bajrang Dal, reported News24 on May 1. The speaker addressing the audience raised slogans of “Satya Sanatan Dharma ki jay (Hail True Sanatan Dharma). He said this is their motto and that all of them should have complete dedication towards it. “The oath of religious protection is not an ordinary one. Those taking the Trsihul Deeksha should be aware they will become bajrangis by taking these trishuls. They should know it is difficult to walk on this path of dharma.”  

Location: Banswara, Rajasthan

Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal leaders distribute Trishuls (tridents) among 500 Hindus. pic.twitter.com/YvVLZlMHdk

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) May 1, 2023

On May 2 surfaced a video from Gharsana where a far right leader was speaking. He said, “we have seen our gods, whenever Hindus have worshiped weapons, Hindus have triumphed. See the bow and arrow of Lord Ram or Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra or see Shivaji maharaj, they have always been victorious. Until we worship weapons we are safe. We follow traditions. All gods we worship have weapons in their hands.”

“Those who got scared converted and became Muslims as you can see. We will take this Deeksha and protect this society. Until Ram Rajya gets established I will not stay calm.. If any mulla or father (Christian) molests a Hindu girl, or casts an evil eye on our temples,  we will stop them and if required we (Bajrang Dal) will kill them,” he added.

Location: Gharsana, Rajasthan

At a Trishul Deeksha (trident) distribution event organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, a far right leader advocated for violence against minorities. pic.twitter.com/JgJdiqUsU0

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) May 2, 2023

On May 3 surfaced a video from Sanganer where during the trishul Deeksha event a far right leader made baseless claims about conversions  and population growth “there are 5 crore converted Christians in India. Now they are 10 crore and speaking of sons of Mohammed, they are 150 crore in population. They live in 56 countries and speaking of India, their population is 28-30 crores. Out of these 60 lakh are involved in terrorist activities. They are involved in cow smuggling and other terror activities and the rest who are involved in conspiracies to divide and break apart our country are all evil. In other countries they (Christians and Muslims) fight amongst themselves but in India they get together and fight against us”.

Location: Sanganer, Rajasthan

Far-right leader delivers hate speech against Muslims and Christians at a Bajrang Dal Trishul Deeksha (trident distribution) event. pic.twitter.com/Rma0o5dIro

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) May 3, 2023

On May 8, about 550 Hindu men were administered an oath to protect Hindu religion and given trishuls in Jaipur by Bajrang Dal members.

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan

Bajrang Dal members distributed Trishuls (tridents) among 550 Hindu men and administered an oath to protect the nation and religion. pic.twitter.com/yAnKj6rjQt

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) May 8, 2023

In Pali, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Durga Vahini members distributed Trishuls among 1100 Hindu girls and administered an oath to protect religion and turn India into a Hindu nation.

Location: Pali, Rajasthan

Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Durga Vahini members distributed Trishuls (tridents) among 1100 Hindu girls and administered an oath to protect religion and turn India into a Hindu nation. pic.twitter.com/nZO3UQwBsN

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) May 8, 2023

Maharashtra

At the event organised on May 2 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, the speaker was seen openly giving calls for using the said trishuls to stop “love jihad” and religious conversions. He had said, “But they are converting our Hindu girls. Bajrang Dal must work against it. Religious conversion is taking place in good localities as well. These Christian pastors and Muslim maulvis take advantage of the uneducated people, who are not aware of the law and do religious conversion.”

Hundreds were present in the audience and an array of trishuls were placed before some idols of gods and goddesses.

Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra

Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal organized a Trishul Deeksha (trident) distribution event where the main speaker called for using trishuls to stop “love jihad” and religious conversions. pic.twitter.com/vsE0GKiNwZ

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) May 2, 2023

On May 9 another event was held in Nagpur. The video clipping of this event also shows that before the distribution of the tridents, speakers at the event gave a speech about Hindus and Hindutva. It was also shown in the video that these people chanted the Hanuman Chalisa. In the video, a short clipping of a man donning an orange scarf was played, in which he was heard saying “Today, the Hindu is aware and active, so they will not be getting votes from us, and they are now only gaining their votes from them. They want to target the Bajrang Dal only because they want to attack the Hindus. They won’t be able to get Bajrang Dal closed, but they might get their own shop closed this way.”

Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra

Bajrang Dal members distribute Trishuls (tridents) among 1100 Hindu men and administered an oath to protect the nation and religion. pic.twitter.com/zN12e7KD2C

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) May 9, 2023

Citizens for Justice and Peace wrote a complaint to Nagpur police over the two incidents of hate speech and trishul Deeksha. The complaint may be read here.

Related:

Maharashtra: CJP files complaint with Nagpur police against two trishul distribution events, organised by Bajrang Dal & VHP

Rising anti-Muslim fury in Rajasthan: Haj pilgrims attacked, Hindutva outfits urge women to use firearms

Rajasthan sees upsurge in Trishul Deeskha in April

“Protect religion, women and cows,” right wing groups tell the youth, hands them Trishuls

The post Trishul deeksha coupled with hate speech; Rajasthan tops the list again appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In the said complaint, CJP had flagged these two events, where demands for the declaration of India as a Hindu nation were also raised, and the speakers and members had indulged in peddling various conspiracy theories to generate hate towards Muslims. Through this complaint, CJP highlighted that Bajrang Dal (BD) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have been organising such trishul distribution events regularly in the state of Rajasthan, and have been creating disharmony, furthering their communal agenda. In reference to this, the complaint emphasised that since Maharashtra has been on the target of such Hindutva groups from November 2022, it is essential that the authorities urgently take action over these trishul distribution events being organised in Maharashtra, before these spread to other areas, districts and cities. The organisation has pointed out that these actions and speeches amount to nothing less than unlawful acts to mobs to take law into their own hands, intimiditate and commit violence. They also generate a sense of insecurity among vulnerable sections, India’s Muslims.

At the event organised on May 2, a speaker had also delivered the hate speech, while openly giving calls for using the said trishuls to stop “love jihad” and religious conversions. He had said, “But they are converting our Hindu girls. Bajrang Dal must work against it. Religious conversion is taking place in good localities as well. These Christian pastors and Muslim maulvis take advantage of the uneducated people, who are not aware of the law and do religious conversion.”

In the said complaint to the Nagpur police, CJP had sought swift and stringent action against the speakers, members and the extremist organisation of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad under sections of the Arms Act and certain sections of the IPC in view to the overall unsafe atmosphere for the Muslim community that is being generated through the systemic and the perpetrated use of hate speech and writing within the country. Reliance had also been put upon the recent judgments of the Supreme Court in the complaint. Urgent action was then urged as such expression of targeted and extreme hate with a clear communal objective to establish religious hegemony upon a community that is already a minority in numbers in the country, is deplorable and against the constitutional values that we uphold as citizens of this country.

It was also stressed upon in the complaint that such speech and hate content has the direct potential to cause physical and mentally bodily harm to marginalized groups, their women and render their already insecure life further eroded of dignity and equality.

The entire complaint can be read here:

Related:

Pravin Togadia delivers hate speech in 3 districts of Madhya Pradesh, attacks the religious minorities of India

CJP sends complaint to SP SDPO, Jalgaon for hate speeches delivered during an event organised by the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti

Citizens delegation demands action against HJDS, Sakal Hindu Samaj for anti-Muslim hate, meets CP, Thane 

FIR against Suresh Chavhanke in Jalgaon, Maharashtra

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

Hate speech spirals to a 7-day high, Muslims & Christians the target “Protect religion, women and cows,”

Wild Goose Chase: From filing preemptive complaints to following up with officers, a round-up of CJP’s efforts to curb hate speech

The post Maharashtra: CJP files complaint with Nagpur police against two trishul distribution events, organised by Bajrang Dal & VHP appeared first on SabrangIndia.

On April 2, in Kekri Rajasthan, 1,100 Bajrang Dal workers were handed out trishuls. This included young women as well. This was done in Arya Samaj premises and the oath was administered by Sunderlal Kataria, a local VHP leader. A rally was also carried out.

Location: Kekri, Rajasthan

Bajrang Dal gives trishuls (tridents) to over 1100 Hindu youths. pic.twitter.com/UvZTCleYjr — HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) April 5, 2023

On April 3 surfaced a video from Narayangarh, Haryana, of hundreds of men taking an oath to protect Hindu religion by using the Trishul and not misusing the Trishul for personal use. In the crowd gathered, taking the oath, were also minor boys. The trishuls were being distributed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to 300 men.

Location: Narayangarh, Haryana

Far-right Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) distributes trishuls (tridents) among 300 Hindu men and administers an oath to protect religion and the Hindu nation. pic.twitter.com/OprOwktiE7 — HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) April 3, 2023

On April 8 a video came up from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan where Bajrang Dal distributed trishuls to about 100 men from various age groups. The men can be seen holding trishuls in their hands and taking an oath to protect Hindu religion.

Location: Sawai, Madhopur, Rajasthan

Far-right Bajrang Dal leaders distrubtes trishuls (tridents) among hundreds of locals. pic.twitter.com/pzJC7yo57A — HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) April 8, 2023

As reported by Twitter user @HindutvaWatch on April 15, VHP and Bajrang Dal distributed trishuls among 1,100 men, women as well as children. A large congregation hall was booked for the same and amidst calls of Jai Shree Ram, an oath to protect cows and to create Akhand Bharat (unanimous India) was administered to all.

Location: Kishangarh, Rajasthan

Far-right Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal members distribute trishuls (tridents) among 1100 men, women and children. pic.twitter.com/6K7koMPpjF — HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) April 15, 2023

On April 17, in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, a rally was organised to distribute trishuls among men. Vishnu Salvi said during his speech that Hindus need to keep weapons at home.

Location: Jhalawar, Rajasthan

Far-right Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organized a march and distributed trishuls (tridents) among hundreds of its members. pic.twitter.com/n2MIY7VCqb — HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) April 19, 2023

On April 19, a video of VHP leader Surendra Jain gave a speech at Mathiana, Rajasthan, where the organization, along with Bajrang Dal was distributing trishuls. “We need to understand the mentality of Muslims which is due to their jihad, their dream of Dar-ul-Islam and they have been spoiled by India’s secular politicians like Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan Chief Minister) and Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal Chief Minister). They have told them (Muslims) to destroy Hindus and we will protect you. No matter what happens we will not let their plan succeed… Wherever Islam is spreading, the non-Muslim girls throughout the world are feeling unsafe. Now only Ram-Janmabhoomi issues have been resolved and slowly all issues will get resolved. The whole world will become saffron. A reporter asked me why are you doing Trishul Deeksha? If required to protect women, cows, saints we will take up weapons. Trishul Deeksha is not about taking up weapons. We will not give our other cheek forward if you slap us, today’s Hindu will break your hand even if you think about slapping us.”

Location: Mathania, Rajasthan

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) senior leader Surendra Jain delivered hate speech against Muslims at a Trishul Deeksha event. He peddled conspiracy theories and advocated violence. pic.twitter.com/xocnQfcdBy — HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) April 19, 2023

On April 27, a video surfaced from Bhadsora, Rajasthan where hundreds of men were given trishuls and took an oath to protect Hindu religion.

Location: Bhadsora, Rajasthan

Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang members distribute trishuls (tridents) among Hindus to protect the nation and religion. pic.twitter.com/X7wS4gJVP5 — HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) April 27, 2023

Related:

Hate speech spirals to a 7-day high, Muslims & Christians the target

“Protect religion, women and cows,” right wing groups tell the youth, hands them Trishuls

Police to closely monitor Ram Navami processions in Hyderabad and Mumbai

Rising Instances of Hate-speech, Hate Crimes in Rajasthan condemned: PWA, Delhi

The post Rajasthan sees upsurge in Trishul Deeskha in April appeared first on SabrangIndia.

It’s been about 40 days into this year and there have been at least 7 reported events of ‘Trishul diksha’ or trident distribution in various parts of the country. The significance of the Trishul for right wing fringe groups is that it has religious significance, it allows them to arm people to incite violence and it is sort of a loophole that they have circumvented. The trishuls that they distribute are not the long handle ones that we often see wielded by deities but are actually, one centimetre smaller than the prohibited weapons; which saves them from being booked for any offence under the Arms Act.

This trishul diksha is accompanied with hate speech from the speakers at the events and many a times the speakers are either known hate offenders or prominent figures of the ruling party such as MPs or MLAs or State heads of the party. Many times, an oath to establish ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is also administered to those present.

Here is a run down of some of the trishul distribution events that have been organized this year, till date

On February 5 in Vidyadhar, Jaipur Bajrang Dal distributed trishuls among 1,110 young Hindu men and released a drone shot video of the men wielding those trishuls

This is from #Vidyadhar, #Jaipur, #Rajasthan.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (#VHP) & #BajrangDal distributed trishuls (tridents) among 1100 young #Hindu men and called for turning India into a #HinduRashtra.#HateSpeech pic.twitter.com/ELdvVH68AB

— Hate Detector ? (@HateDetectors) February 7, 2023

At another event in Jaipur, a video surfaced on February 5 of VHP and Bajrang Dal administering an oath with around 800 men wielding trishuls in their hands

This is from #Jaipur, #Rajasthan.#Hindutva groups #BajrangDal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (#VHP) distributed trishuls (tridents) among 800 people and administered an to turn India into a #HinduRashtra.#HateSpeech #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/nmCpAV30wP

— Hate Detector ? (@HateDetectors) February 5, 2023

A day prior to that Vishwa Hindu Parishad  (VHP) and Bajrang Dal while celebrating Hindu Sammelan, distributed trishuls among hindu men Satish Mahana, the current Speaker of the UP Legislative Assembly was the main speaker at the event. This was held in Kanpur Nagar in Uttar Pradesh in the presence of the police.

Location: Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh

Vishwa Hindu Parishad & Bajrang Dal distributed trishuls (tridents) among hundreds of people and called for turning India into a Hindu Rashtra.

Satish Mahana, the current Speaker of the UP Legislative Assembly was main speaker at the event. pic.twitter.com/Vh6E3Jgahp

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) February 4, 2023

In January, RSS Pracharak, Ishwar Lal was spewing venom at a Trishul Deeksha event, held in Lohwat, Rajasthan. Through this speech, Lal had dehumanised Muslims, made misleading and provocative statements, and also made unlawful and provocative calls for converting 30,000 mosques into temples, all with the aim of pushing the exclusionary agenda of Hindutva outfits. The details of the  speech may be read here.

Location: Lohawat, Rajasthan
Event: Trishul Deeksha
Organizer: Vishwa Hindu Parishad & Bajrang Dal

RSS Pracharak & VHP Sangathan Mantri Ishwar Lal delivers hate speech; dehumanizes Muslims, calls for converting 30,000 mosques into temples & boycott of Halal products. pic.twitter.com/4puOYifpMp

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) January 21, 2023

In Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, on January 10, VHP  administered an oath among men to use the trishuls distributed at the event to protect Hindu women as well as the religion.

This is from #Shivpuri, #MadhyaPradesh (January 10, 2023).

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (#VHP) distributed #Trishul‘s (tridents) among 150 young men and administered an oath to use them to protect the #Hindu women and religion.#Hinduva #HateSpeech #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/kh67Qjuf8I

— Hate Detector ? (@HateDetectors) January 20, 2023

In Sirohi, Rajasthan at Shri Shri Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Kushalgiriji Maharaj’s event, trishuls were distributed amongst thousands in the crowd. In the video it appears that thousands of people, men and women, were attending the event.

This is from #Sirohi, #Rajasthan.

Trishuls (tridents) distributed at Shri Shri 1008 Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Kushalgiriji Maharaj’s event in Sirohi.#Hindutva #HateSpeech #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/dgzL0Jt5vj

— Hate Detector ? (@HateDetectors) January 20, 2023

IN early January, Praving Togadia, while speaking to the media, in Gaddarpur, Uttarakhand said that he wishes to arm 2 crore youth with trishuls. In May last year, CJP had complained to the National Commission for Minorities against Togadia as he had encouraged youth, at a trishul diksha event in Assam, to bear arms to deport “Bangladeshi Muslims”

Location: Gadarpur, Uttarakhand

Hindutva leader Pravin Togadia announces distribution of Trishuls (tridents) among 20 million (2 crore) Hindus. pic.twitter.com/hyRT50W0uB

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) January 12, 2023

A video surfaced on January 2, from Shastri Nagar in Jaipur Rajasthan where Bajrang Dal members were seen administering an oath to hundreds of men, wielding trishuls. They took an oath to protect Hindus, their culture and their religion. They also vowed to use the Trishul to protect Hindu religion.

This is from #ShastriNagar, #Jaipur, #Rajasthan.

Leaders of the far-right extremist #Hindutva group #BajrangDal distributed #Trishuls (tridents) among hundreds of locals & made them take a public oath to use them to protect the religion and #HinduNation (#HinduRashtra). pic.twitter.com/09Qk0Cqzzk

— Hate Detector ? (@HateDetectors) January 2, 2023

What is happening in Rajasthan, governed by the Congress party with Ashok Gehlot at the helm, seems to be a repeat of 2001 and 2003. The November 2001 edition of Communalism Combat reported about the many trishul deeksha events in Rajasthan, “Of immediate concern is the systematic distribution of a few hundred thousand ‘trishuls’ — cleverly disguised Rampuri knives, six–eight inches long and sharp enough to kill —, delivering the lethal instrument to ‘every Hindu household’ in villages where the Trishul Diksha Samaroh is conducted. As we go to press, over seven districts in Rajasthan have had active ‘trishul’ distribution programmes. Raipur, Kota, Jaipur and Asind are only some of the places around which the campaign was being carried out. Most others have also been covered in this brazen attempt to militarise society in the garb of a religious programme”.

At that time, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had revealed that nearly 40 lakh trishuls had been distributed nationwide by then.

Similar Trishul Diksha events were held across Rajasthan in early 2003, in the run up to assembly elections in the state. Rajasthan is set to go to polls at the end of this year. In April 2003, the Rajasthan government had issued a notification prohibiting people from distributing, acquiring, possessing or carrying double or multi-bladed sharp pointed weapons.

It is probably time to remind the Ashok Gehlot government of its own notification that it seems to have forgotten. The fact that most of these trishul distribution events have been reported in Congress governed and poll bound Rajasthan is a matter of grave concern. It  shows  the growing influence of prominent right wing organizations and their ideology deeply seeping into a communally harmonious state and this also displays the inaction on the part of the ruling government under Gehlot which is allowing such extremist ideology to be disseminated.

Related:

PRELUDE TO THE CARNAGE

CJP MOVES NCM OVER PRAVIN TOGADIA’S COMMUNAL OATH AT TRISHUL DIKSHA EVENT

HATE WATCH: ISHWAR LAL, RSS PRACHARAK DELIVERS ANTI-MINORITY HATE SPEECH, AGAIN

The post ‘Trishul Diksha’ in poll bound Rajasthan, a matter of grave concern appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Pravin Togadia, surgeon-turned-Hindutva leader, president of Antarashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP), is on a mission to weaponize the peace loving citizens of Assam. He has been frequenting the state, and as the latest video now circulating on social media and Whatsapp groups shows, has been personally making innocent people of Assam, repeat an anti-Muslim ‘oath’ after him in Hindi, while holding sharp trishuls (traditional Indian tridents).

Togadia and his team have been openly distributing these weapons and encouraging people that this makes them “brave”, and that once armed like this, they become “protectors of the Hindu faith”. After the AHP’s Gujarat “Trishul Diksha” where they distributed thousands of swords and tridents to the people, went off without any interference from the authorities, they set their eyes on Assam, another Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governed state. 

In teh video, Togadia can be seen sporting a traditional gamusa (scarf) of the state, and leading an oath, “Hum veer hain. Vijay prapt karenge. Hum maa Kamakhya devi, mahamaya kanthika devi. Bhagwan Shankar ka trishul dharan karke sankalp karte hain ki, loktantrik, kanooni padhyati se  50 lakh Bangladeshi Musalmano ko Bangladesh bhej kar hi dum lenge. Hum desh mein 2 crore, Assam mein 5 lakh yuvaon ko trishul dharan karvake, Assam ke veeron ko vijayta banayenge.” Translated, this is an anti-Muslim oath, in the garb of being anti-Bangladeshi-Muslim vow. He invoked gods and goddesses to convince the people that the trident is a ‘divine’ weapon, and encouraged them rest only after they “deport 50 Lakh Bangladeshi Muslims, back to Bangladesh”.  

He uses the term “we” to signify that he is with the people of Assam who do this for him, and tries to water down this call for violence adding that this “chasing away Muslims”, should be done in a ‘democratic and legal way’. He does not have any powers to issue such an oath or dictat, and yet has the confidence that the law will not catch up with him here either. He then repeats his plan that he and his group are in the process of giving weapons to “2 Crore Indians” and “5 lakh in Assam”. Togadia may just have announced an ‘ethic cleansing’ drive, even though he has chosen his words carefully, throwing ‘religion’ and ‘bravery’ into the dangerous mix. 

Pravin Todagia latest trishul oath has been shared widely on social media:

Hindu extremist leader Pravin Togadia says that he will distribute weapons (Trident) to 20 million Hindus. pic.twitter.com/1G2JlG3uZI

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) April 24, 2022

But this instance is not new. Pravin Togadia was in Assam, making anti-Muslim statements on April 6, in Golokganj, Dhubri district where he claimed that Dhubri now has only “20% Hindus” and 12 Lakh Muslims have come here from Bangladesh. He demanded that the DNA test of Muslim migrants who came here after 1951, be done by the State Government, and those who ‘fail’ should be sent to detention camps. He  applauded Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for “freeing Assam’s land from illegal Bangladeshi encroachers” and asked him to “detected, isolate and deport” illegal migrants claiming that “illegal infiltrators” were living freely in Assam. He went on to suggest if “Bangladesh did not take back the illegal foreigners, India must capture an area of Bangladesh!”

Pravin Togadia is well on his way to revive his 2000’s agenda of militarising Hindu society. The process was documented and analysed by Communalism Combat in 2001 around the time when the Bajrang Dal had undertaken countrywide Trishul Diksha Samarohs. The Bajrang Dal’s trishuls were, “Rampuri knives that can kill, specially crafted to look like a religious symbol”. The original piece may be read here. In 2016, the Bajrang Dal started training its cadres in Uttar Pradesh to use rifles, swords and lathis ostensibly to “protect Hindus”. Now Assam is their top target.

Related:

Sheath the swords, while there is still time!
Gujarat:  Antarashtriya Hindu Parishad is stage for anti-Muslim abuse, trident 
Right-wing’s dangerous obsession with mosques and dargahs peaks during Ramzan

The post How is the Assam gov’t allowing Pravin Togadia’s trishul distribution? appeared first on SabrangIndia.