On Sunday, 8th August’21, in the National Capital of Delhi, we witnessed the age-old clannishness towards the Muslim community. At Jantar Mantar, at 5 minutes distance from the parliament, we observed another incident of communal sloganeering. Knocking on the lines of pseudo-secularism and unity as written snobbishly in the constitution.
The alarming incident amongst the myriad of communal hatred is yet another proof of the ever-existing ‘Islamophobia’. It forces us to engage in necessary conversations and raise difficult and uncomfortable questions which is the need of the hour. As a country, we are regressing, and our ethical and moral foundations are collapsing and shattering.
The disturbing and distressing videos that were surfaced show an extremist right-wing group, consisting of nearly 5,000 individuals, calling for the killing of Muslims and shouting slogans like “Jab Mulle Kaate Jaayenge, Ram-Ram Chillayenge.” It translates into – “Muslims will chant Ram-Ram when they will be slaughtered.” The slogans were allegedly raised during a march titled ‘Colonial Laws & Make Uniform Laws’.
The rally was staged by a Supreme court lawyer and former Delhi BJP spokesperson “Ashwini Upadhyay”, under the banner of ‘Bharat Jodo (Unite) Movement’. This movement was recently endorsed by our Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi in an episode of Mann ki Baat. The BJP leader Gajendra Chauhan was also present at the event that demanded the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code for all.
Uniform Civil Code
The Uniform Civil Code is one of the controversial promises that the BJP has kept. It is an important issue regarding secularism. If mandated, it will lead to formulating and implementing personal laws on every citizen regardless of one’s religious beliefs. Personal laws are different from public laws, they cover; Marriage, Divorce, Inheritance, Adoption and Maintenance. In other words, it involves a common set of laws for everyone. Currently, the personal laws of various religious communities are based on their respective religious scriptures.
Six people along with Ashwini Upadhyay have been arrested in connection with the case. But, the question here is, will they stay in custody for long? While, Uttam Malik, a disciple of Yati Narsighanand Saraswat, can be seen chanting anti-muslim slogans in the viral videos, is on the run according to Delhi Police. What is horrifying, is that even young children holding posters that read “annihilation of Islam” were present.
Yati Narsighanand Saraswat
A Hindu extremist, known for spreading false rumours, hatred, and misinformation against Muslim communities and women, with the goal of inciting violence and creating hostility in the society. The incident of a Muslim Boy being thrashed for entering a temple to drink water, which was surfaced in March, was the doing of his disciple, Shiringi Yadav.
Connaught Place Police Station registered an FIR of the incident under sections 153A and 188 of the Indian Penal Code promoting enmity between different groups and disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servants respectively, apart from section 51 of the Disaster Management Act for violation of Covid-19 guidelines.
While mainstream media, promises silence and chooses to stay shut and mute about it, yesterday, on 10th August, students, and activists, gathered at the site, to protest against the ‘Islamophobic’ nature of events that took place, which promoted hatred for a minority community, the police arrived at the “opportunistic occasion” and detained several in large buses. The Political leaders have consistently taken advantage of the existing age-old clannishness and intolerance towards Muslims. It’s important to be aware, informed, and cautious of what is happening around us. It’s significant in these unfortunate and challenging times, to ask questions, and to make decisions accordingly.
Also, Read – Exposing Islamophobia China’s Uyghur Muslims
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