Haryana: ‘Why only Muslims?’

A bulldozer is being used to demolish a hotel in violence-hit Nuh district of Haryana, on Sunday. Pic/PTI

The authorities on Sunday razed several structures in the violence-hit Nuh district, including a hotel-cum-restaurant, which officials alleged was used to throw stones on a religious procession early last week. As Haryana's demolition drive enters Day 4, the minority community questions the ‘selective' clean up of the government.

The district administration said they have identified 16 illegal structures that will be bulldozed on Sunday, the fourth day of demolition drive in Nuh.

Sub-divisional Magistrate Ashwani Kumar said these structures were built illegally and were used by "hooligans" to throw stones during the recent violence. The administration on Saturday bulldozed alleged illegal structures on 2.6 acres of land around Nalhar Medical College. Nearly 45 alleged illegal commercial shops, comprising pharmacy stores, have been razed to the ground here.

A bulldozer demolishes the allegedly illegally constructed Sahara hotel, in Nuh, Haryana, on Sunday. Pic/PTI

Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh when the Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by mobs on Monday.

‘Selective targeting'

Zamil Khan, a resident of Nuh, expressed concern over the recent events where armed Hindu activists shouted provocative slogans during a procession. He pointed out that the police, instead of taking action against them, seemed to be selectively targeting Muslim properties.

"The authorities have chosen to demolish homes and shops belonging to Muslims only. Why haven't they taken any action against those responsible for the violence and those who openly brandished weapons during the rally?" he asked.

Zamil believed that this approach was an attempt to appease Hindutva groups that sought to disrupt the social harmony and communal amity that had existed in the area for many years. His home had been demolished, leaving him homeless.

Livelihood snatched

Haroon Khan, whose shanty and juice booth were demolished, said he had no involvement in the riots or those involved.

His juice booth was his livelihood. Now, he is worried about providing for his family of three.

A Hindu resident, working as a construction labourer, also acknowledged that both communities' poor people had suffered due to the violence. He has decided to return to his village in Odisha for safety and stability.

Meanwhile, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Hooda demanded an inquiry into the Nuh violence by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court or a high court. Speaking to IANS, Hooda pointed out that the Mewat region in general, and Nuh in particular, did not see any violence even during Partition.

6
No. of people killed since violence erupted in Nuh

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