Muzaffarnagar carnage a planned tactic of communal politics
Indian Americans condemn purveyors of hate for the massacres and UP government for its criminal inaction. Sunday, September 15th, 2013
Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC – www.iamc.com), an advocacy organization dedicated to preserving India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos has condemned the politics of violence and hate that has taken the lives of over 50 people and rendered over 47,000 homeless in Muzaffarnagar and surrounding areas of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Days of violence went uninterrupted in close proximity to the capital New Delhi.
While several incidents were reported to have set the stage for clashes between the communities, it is the inaction of the government that allowed these incidents to spiral out of control. The UP government stood by as communal forces were distributing arms, spreading false rumors and inciting mobs of thousands; even though prohibitory orders were in place and intelligence input had warned of communal violence.
On the 30th of August a 20,000-strong meeting was allowed to be held in tense Muzaffarnagar where several politicians allegedly made provocative remarks. On September 7, a larger counter-rally was allowed by the district administration even though Muzaffarnagar district was under prohibitory orders. In this meeting, too, there were reports of incendiary remarks. These developments suggest that some political elements stood to gain from heightened tension and the administration failed in their duty to maintain order.
“The systematic nature of the incidents and actions leading to them makes it clear that the violence was engineered and sustained by political forces that aim to cash in on the polarization of the electorate,” said Mr. Ahsan Khan, President of IAMC. “It is pertinent to note that several social scientists and observers had noticed an uptick in the violence since Amit Shah of BJP, the former Gujarat Minister who is out on bail for murder charges, was appointed the campaign lead for UP,” Mr. Khan added.
Indian Americans view this development as alarming and a prelude to more polarization in the run up to the elections next year. IAMC calls upon all communities to guard against the politics of hate. IAMC calls upon the government to prevent provocative rallies and bring to justice perpetrators and inciters of violence, including those who spread false rumors. The government is urged to also look into ways of informing people and halting the spread of rumors.
Indian American Muslim Council is the largest advocacy organization of Indian Muslims in the United States with 13 chapters across the nation. For more information please visit our new website at www.iamc.com.
CONTACT:
Indian American Muslim Council
Ishaq Syed
Phone: (800) 839-7270
Email: info@iamc.com
Address:
6321 W Dempster St. Suite 295
Morton Grove, IL 60053
phone/fax: 1-800-839-7270
References:
1. SP, BJP flared up communal tension: Ajit Singh
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sp-bjp-flared-up-communal-tension-ajit-singh/article5112949.ece
2. Videos show leaders from several parties inciting violence in Muzaffarnagar
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/videos-inciting-violence-muzaffarnagar-uttar-pradesh/1/309350.html
3. Muzaffarnagar riots leave 43,000 homeless
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/muzaffarnagar-riots-leave-43000-homeless/article5123676.ece
4. Muzaffarnagar riots: UP government cancels Varun Gandhi rally near Agra
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/muzaffarnagar-riots-up-government-cancels-varun-gandhi-rally-near-agra-418111
5. Muzaffarnagar riots: cyber experts to trace source of video
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Muzaffarnagar-riots-cyber-experts-to-trace-source-of-video/Article1-1121294.aspx
6. Rioters used WhatsApp to fan flames: Police
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/1167873/
