Violence erupts in Maharashtra after bandh call by Raza Academy

Raza Academy had called for a bandh to protest the persecution of Muslims and destruction of mosques in Tripura, but several instances of violence were reported from Amravati, Malegaon and Nanded
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On November 12, some Muslim organisations had called for a bandh (strike) in Mumbai and many other parts of Maharashtra to protest persecution of Muslims and the alleged desecration of mosques in Tirpura. However, instead of being a peaceful protest, violence broke out in many parts of Maharashtra such as Amravati, Malegaon and Nanded.

The bandh call was given by Raza Academy, that describes itself as a Sunni Barelvi organization of Indian Sunni Muslims, and claims to promote Islamic beliefs through publications and research. In their own words, the bandh was “For the Sanctity of our Beloved Prophet and in solidarity with the people of Tripura.” However, the protest was far from peaceful.

Incidents of stone pelting were reported from Amravati where marching protesters reportedly engaged in violence. The Hindu reported that nearly 8,000 people gathered outside the District Collector’s office to submit a memorandum demanding an end to atrocities against minorities. On their way back after submitting the memorandum, instances of stone pelting were reported from three spots between Chitra Chowk and Cotton Market. The Indian Express reported that violence was reported from the jurisdictions of Kotwali and Gadage Nagar police stations between 3 and 5 P.M.

“Some Muslim organisations led by Raza Academy organised a procession on Friday afternoon for which we had not granted any permission. Yet, around 35,000-odd people participated in the march, which passed through some main thoroughfares of the city,” Amit Makandar, DCP of Amravati City told IE. “During this, some anti-social elements resorted to stone pelting on some shops and also attacked vehicles,” he added.

Violence was also reported from Malegaon in Nashik district when a protest march turned violent, Police had to resort to a lathi charge to control the situation. Nashik Superintendent of Police Sachin Patil told media persons later that evening, “The situation is under control now. Regular patrolling is taking place. I appeal to people not to spread rumours, or else strict action will be taken.”

Some instances of violence were also reported from Itwara, Shivaji Nagar and Vazirabad in Nanded. A senior police official told the Indian Express, “There were several thousand people in the rally and some protestors got violent when the police tried to stop them. In the process, seven to eight policemen suffered injuries,” adding, “The police had to resort to lathicharge and firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. We are in the process of registering FIRs.”

Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil appealed for peace and restraint saying, “I appeal to all Hindus and Muslims to maintain peace. I am monitoring the situation with senior police officials. The guilty will not be spared. I also appeal to the police to exercise caution and restraint.”

Mohammed Saeed Noori, founder and president of Raza Academy, meanwhile completely avoided speaking about the violence and instead proceeded to congratulate people in Mumbai for observing the bandh. In a video statement released to the media, he claimed, “Bandh was observed and people kept their shops shut in many areas like Bhindi Bazaar, Crawford Market, JJ Hospital, Mohammed Ali Road, Nal Bazaar, Wadala, Kurla, Bandra, Mahim, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Jogeshwari, Mira Road, Bhiwandi and Kalyan.”

The violence brought back memories of the December 2012 Azad Maidan violence in Mumbai, where Muslim groups protesting persecution of Rohingyas, resorted to violence and even broke the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to martyred soldiers.

The completely unnecessary violence has also given right-wing leaders and trolls enough fodder to attack the entire Muslim community. This is already becoming evident on social media platforms.