Dhule was burnt;
after 40 years, despite of its glorious tradition of communal harmony
A delegation of social activists, intellectuals and journalists visited in the
riot affected area of Dhule and distributed some food packages among victims
and needy people. Appeal for restoration of peace was also made during the
visit of relief camps and affected areas. Delegation was met with district
collector and other government officials too, and submitted the grievances of
people regarding the relief work. Failure of district administration was also
exposed during the riots. After the listening to victim’s delegation reached on
the conclusion, it could have been avoided if timely intervention was done by
administration. People were complaining that administration was informed
earlier about the ongoing activities of communal forces but they have ignored
and handled it casually. The provocative activities of Hindu Raksha Samiti, a
newly formed organization by Hindu fundamentalists including Bajarang Dal and
VHP, were being continued since one
month spreading out hatred against other religions especially Muslims,
simultaneously, at other side anger and sensation for retaliation was also
visible among Muslims. But administration was failed to make any precautionary
majors to prevent it.
However, the reason behind these riots was very cynical. The activists of Hindu
Raksha samiti have got irritated when a poster abusing Muslims for terrorism
was removed by a young boy from the wall. They have taken it account as assault
on Hindu pride. They have gathered at same place and started shouting slogan
and throughing stones on mosque situated nearby at the place of occurrence. A
group of Muslim youths were also responded in the same manner. We came to know
after the interaction with victims that a mob of Hindu Raksha Samiti armed with
weapons have marched in the city especially in Muslim areas and started
looting, firing and burning houses and shops. Ten people were killed and more
than three hundred injured. About one thousand houses were burnt including six
hundred huts of slum dweller. Rickshaw pullers, rag-pickers, laborers, small
shop keepers, like down-trodden people are now, forced to reside in relief
camps, while their houses are
either demolished or burnt. The expected loss of property is more than hundred
crores, which is to be calculated yet for measuring exact loss.
Riot was started on 5th of October and after 5 days of burning city it is now
under control but still tense. Poor people of both communities are living under
threat and facing sever food crisis & lack of basic facilities.
The delegation was constantly mindful of the actual fear among locals, their
isolation and the intense terror they had developed after communal frenzy. We
were informed that several children in the households were facing
trauma-induced depression and have to receive medical care. We also came to
know, the children had missed their all-important books and reading materials
because of burning. The children are fearful of any kind of sound or noise
expecting that it might be gunshots or any other fire material. The psyche of
these young children has been seriously scarred by the fear that anyone could
become the target of these anti-social elements. Rumors are making fake
stories. Earlier, they have made rumors that few Hindu women were kidnapped by
Muslim youths and tried to intensifying communal tension in nearby rural areas.
Sakari, Mukti, savda, Burhanpur, Nihadud were affected badly after Dhule riots,
people have lost their lives and houses.
Unfortunately, the media, with the exception of a few reports in a few
dailies, has more or less demonized the Muslims as a community.
We should remember the fact that Dhule city is having a strong tradition of
unity and harmony, but it is being ruptured by communal forces, after 40 years.
At the time of Babari Masjid demolition, Bombay riots and Gujarat massacre
Dhule was able to keep itself calm and quite.
Delegation was led by Com Ambarish Rai, Pratibha Shinde, Prof. Shekhar
Sonalkar, Adv. N.D. Suryavansi, Farookh Shekh, Vasanti Dighe, Atiq, Khalil
Deshmukh and others.
Delegation has demanded for judicial inquiry, compensation for loss,
rehabilitation for displaced and ban for activities of communal forces and
punishment for culprits.
Friends, they are trying to expand it in other part of Maharastra as well as
across the country to polarize the Hindu votes for coming elections. To fulfill
their wasted interest they are targeting not only Muslims but Christians, too.
Orissa, Karnatka and Madhya Pradesh are the living example for barbaric attack
on Christians, in recent days. We have to bring ourselves together and combat
these divisive forces to make India free from communal divisions.
It is requested to all of you pl. do help for the sufferers of Dhule riots.
We are trying to make a comprehensive and detail report for the same, soon.
Regards,
Ambarish Rai Pratibha Shinde
President General Secretary
Lok Sangharsh Morcha Lok Sangharsh Morcha
