New Delhi: The Communication Research Group (CRG) recommended that a working group be established to explore and test out new strategies for promoting love and peace between the local groups as a long-term solution to the frequently occurring communal violence. Given the prevalence of racial tension incidents that are about to explode into violent episodes across the nation.
The CRG has done a thorough investigation of the violent incidents that occurred on July 31 in Nuh, Haryana, and came up with short-term and long-term solutions to check the growing communal violence incidents in the country. It underlined that almost all conventional approaches to fostering harmony between Hindus and Muslims today prove ineffective, as numerous instances of racial tension that are poised to erupt into violent episodes are developing around the country. Now that it is imperative for us to build enduring harmony among various segments of the population, new, creative approaches are needed, it added.
The CRG has advocated for putting twice as many staff in administration in the Nuh district based on their study report of Nuh violence. It said there should be an additional group that will be responsible for fostering regular, constructive communication across the various sections and for deactivating and rusticating individuals and organizations that preach or promote discord.
According to the CRG’s examination of newspapers, television shows, social media, participants, observers, and authorities, hostility between Hindus and Muslims began to rise days before the Yatra was scheduled to be taken in Nuh. A CRG representative revealed in an online discussion that some Muslims had also plotted to attack the Yatra. However, neither the peace committee nor the government was aware of how serious the situation was, and nothing was done to stop the violent attacks.
The Mewat Teerth Yatra procession was reportedly stoned and fired upon from the nearby hills, according to CRG research. Swords, iron rods, and sticks were used to attack the processions on the streets.
Although Muslims are the majority in Mewat, caste and gotra identities are still recognized there, according to a group of six researchers who include teachers, social scientists, and media professionals. A small portion of the area’s dominant community is purposefully sowing discord, animosity, and jealousy among its various segments. Researchers have further found that because of the social tensions and mistrust present in this community, it is relatively simple for criminals to incite violence.
Every year, during the Mewat Teerth Yatra, pilgrims travel roughly 80 kilometers to three historic temples in Nuh to offer prayers. Participants come from Nuh, the remainder of Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Muslims have traditionally participated and provided amenities to travelers. Even though there was a significant likelihood of an attack on processions, the planners decided to go ahead with the procession after Nalhad Mahadev Temple’s prayers on the administration’s guarantee. The vehicles were stoned and fired upon after a brief distance. The few police officers who were present were also attacked.
Travelers were attacked on the highways with sticks, iron rods, and swords; several two-wheelers, buses, trucks, vehicles, and trucks caught fire. Women and children among the Yatrees sought sanctuary in the Nalhad Mahadev Temple; no criminal attempted to break inside the temple; after a short while, the police transported the stranded yatrees to safe locations; during this rescue, the police also opened fire in reaction towards the hills; during the next two to three days, violence, shop burnings, looting, and other incidents occurred in the neighboring communities, including attacks against Muslims; an imam was also killed; and criminals broke into a mosque and caused damage in the area.
One of the main recommendations by CRG is to deploy administrative personnel in double the existing numbers. The additional personnel’s task should be to create continuous and positive dialogue between the two communities and to rusticate those who provoke mistrust and communal hatred. CRG has also recommended that special efforts be made to intensify communication between youngsters in schools and colleges so that they may be engaged in creative and useful activities. CRG has strongly recommended that all school-going girls in the district be given a stipend double the amount that is given in other parts of the state. As a long-term solution, the Research Group has suggested that a Working Group be established, which will investigate and test out novel ways to foster love and peace between the local groups. These measures, when successful, may be implemented in other communally explosive areas of the country.
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