157 progressive bodies from across the country express shock and resentment over Congress ministers’ communal rant and condemned recent communal activities and hate speech in Himachal Pradesh
Appeal for peace and harmony in Himachal Pradesh
Listen to this article157 progressive bodies from across the country express shock and resentment over Congress ministers’ communal rant and condemned recent communal activities and hate speech in Himachal Pradesh
Appeal for peace and harmony in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, Sept 30
A group of 157 progressive public organisations have issued a joint statement against recent communal activities and hate speech in Himachal Pradesh.
The statement reads- “We as members of progressive organisations and citizens of this democratic country as well as residents of the mountain state of Himachal Pradesh are deeply concerned with the recent spate of protests in some pockets of the state. These are concerning because they are communal in nature and target the minority community of Muslims who are barely 2 % of the state’s population. We are worried also because there are other minorities in the state and such a majoritarian religion based mobilisation is bound to induce fear and insecurity amongst all minorities. Furthermore, we are also extremely apprehensive with regard to the nature of sloganeering which tried to urge and incite attack on Muslims. We appeal to the state government to exercise utmost vigilance to maintain law and order for all citizens and take preventive and timely measures to avoid any untoward incident including taking action against hate speech.”
“It needs to be noted that the entire matter flared up after a trivial incident between two individuals in Shimla. What is however shocking is the problematic interventions following this by two Congress ministers who made inciting and provocative speeches on the floor of the house that lacked sufficient evidence. The ruling party members have gone on to suggest policy changes like restricting and regulating entry of ‘outsiders’ practicing vending and other livelihoods in the state – yet again these are based purely on false conjecture and indeed have fuelled irrational insecurities on the grounds of ethnicity and religion. These ideas are condemnable. Demarcation and marking of shops based on identity are dangerous and we have seen in the past that such identification is used to target members of particular ethnicity and castes, especially Muslims and dalits.”
“The fact that elite caste groups and leadership who are now active in communal propaganda were the same who had demanded a Savarna commission two years ago targeting the reservations for Scheduled castes is telling of the dangers of this hate politics.”
“Further, we have seen a trend where by the economic crisis has affected purchasing power and online markets have also cut the business of local markets. This vulnerability is being used by communal forces to target the pheriwalas and other vendors of minority communities where as the real problem is in the market downfall. The irony is that the recent protests by communal elements have further plunged the tourism and markets in the state into crisis. We have every reason to suspect that these actions could also be an attempt to politically destabilise a state that is already in financial crisis.”
“On the question of ‘illegal encroachment’ and violation of building norms, we urge the government and administration to take full responsibility as any such irregularity is due to lack of adequate governance and policy implementation. The state government has been promising regularisation policies and from time to time relaxation of norms in building bye laws.”
“As far as the Sanjauli masjid goes it has been proved to be a legal building accept for one extra floor related irregularity which could have been dealt with through the legal route. To take unilateral actions without a time bound plan and notice period would be against principles of justice. It needs to be highlighted that Himachal is a state where the violation of construction norms is rampant across the board with many public, community and private buildings encroaching on government land or building without following the rules. It is therefore imperative that no partiality is exercised in dealing with violators – as they do not belong to one specific religion. We are clear that in the current situation the concern with ‘illegal encroachments’ highlighted by the protestors is not genuine. And the issue is being weaponised
to polarise the peaceful environment in the state as has been done by hate mongering, anti-minority elements in other states.”
“The Constitution of India ensures the right of all citizens to reside and engage in economic activities in any region of the country. Historically, the State of Himachal has maintained a harmonious coexistence among diverse communities, with no significant escalating tensions between them. However, recent efforts to disrupt this communal harmony at the behest of right wing elements pose a threat not only to specific groups but also raise grave concerns for the overall peace and stability of the state’s residents and the broader state.”
“This situation demands vigilant monitoring and proactive measures to preserve the social fabric of State. We appeal to the people of Himachal to not fall for such communal and divisive agendas and exercise restraint and rationality based on the guiding principles of harmony and equality enshrined in the constitution of India.”
