by Zainab S Qazi
In Jahazpur, Rajasthan, communal clashes took place between the Muslims and the Hindus on Saturday. The Hindus alleged that the Muslims pelted stones at their religious procession during the Jaljhulani Ekadashi from inside the Jama Masjid.
As a result, shops of Muslim traders were razed and closed down, internet shutdown took place as Hindus demanded arrests of the Muslims.
Gopichand Meena, local MLA of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded necessary actions to be taken against the Muslims involved while openly calling out for a “bulldozer attack” on the mosque and houses belonging to the Muslims.
“…Jinhone paththarbaazi kari, unke khilaaf sakht se sakht kaarewahi ki maang kar rahe hain. Jo vyakti, jo aaropi hai woh giraftaar ho. … Unke gharon mein bulldozer chaley, aur avedh masjidein jo bana rakhi hain uss ke khilaaf bhi kaarewahi ho. Yahi hamari maang hai …” (We demand strict action against those who pelted the stones. The person who is accused must be arrested… His house should be demolished by a bulldozer, and actions should be taken against such mosques, this is our demand), Meena told First India News.
Meena could also be heard and seen emphasizing how he demanded the bulldozer attack late at night and it came into being along with the arrests of the local Muslims in the area.
In a video released, a procession of people on the dharna could be heard joining Meena and raising slogans for the bulldozer attacks while demanding stringent actions to be taken against the Muslims.
Meena has also stated that he, along with the procession would continue to protest till the time the Muslims are arrested and actions are taken against them.
Nagar Palika of Jahazpur issued a notice to the President of Masjid Committee Muslim Samaj demanding them to prove and submit the documents of the mosque land within 24 hours.
Videos showing the authorities destroying local shops have gone viral on social media. The mosque has also submitted the documents to the Nagar Palika.
Waris Pathan, AIMIM’s National spokesperson came in support of the Muslims and questioned, “How long will the Muslims have to tolerate this? Where is that champion leader of secularism? Why is he silent? Why is he not opening his mouth? Is it because the victims are Muslims?”
There have been no comments from the Chief Minister so far, the state has distanced itself from a mob led by an elected representative for more than 48 hours now. Meena, the elected face of the Jahazpur constituency acts in a partisan manner, all while openly targeting a particular community in the area.
