"APCR's timely intervention in Supreme Court, Uttarakhand HC averts communal crisis in Uttarkashi"
Communal Mahapanchayat called off, law and order restored
(Press Release) New Delhi, June 15, 2023 - Association for the Protection of Civil Rights expressed profound concern over the escalating communal tensions in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district. In light of recent events, we submitted a representation letter to urge the state government to ensure the maintenance of law and order across all parts of the state and take necessary measures to prevent any loss of life or damage to property.
In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by APCR on 14.6.23, the Honourable Uttarakhand High Court presided over by Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Rakesh Thapliyal, has made a major decision. The PIL requested assistance to halt a "mahapanchayat" to be held in Purola by Hindutva organizations and urged for the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against those who threatened Muslims to vacate their properties and leave the concerned area. The court has given notice to the respondents while reiterating the state's fundamental duty to carry out its duty to uphold peace and order. Attorney General of Uttarakhand SN Babulkar informed the bench during the hearing that the "mahapanchayat" had been cancelled as a result of the state's intervention, somewhat defusing the situation.
However, the court directed all concerned parties, including our organization and others, to refrain from engaging in social media debates, as it may further exacerbate the situation. The court emphasized the need for calm and restraint, urging against the spread of allegations and counter-allegations on social media platforms and in television debates.
The counsel appearing for APCR Advocate Shahrukh Alam, Talha A Rehaman, Archit Krishna and Priya Vats draws attention to a letter allegedly sent on June 5, 2023, on the letterhead of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to the District Magistrate of New Tehri District, threatening to block the highway on June 20 unless Muslims living in specific areas of the state vacate their homes.
Further, the counsel also brought attention to the Hon’ble Supreme Court order regarding hate speech and sought directions for the registration of FIRs against individuals responsible for incendiary social media posts and a threatening letter issued by certain organizations. The court declined to issue such directions but emphasized the state's duty to maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of all individuals in the state.
We express deep concern that no action has been taken over the course of ten days, with no comprehensive FIR registered against the signatories of the letter. Such inaction undermines the specific order of the Supreme Court, as well as various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The content of the letter incites acts against national integrity and causes disharmony, falling within the purview of UAPA and relevant provisions of the IPC.
Nadeem Khan, National Secretary of APCR, stated, "The cancellation of the 'mahapanchayat' is a positive step, but we must not overlook the ground reality of fear and polarization. It is crucial for the state government to ensure the safety of Muslim traders and to allow them to reopen their shops in Purola town."
"APCR remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting civil rights and promoting a society free from discrimination and communal tensions," Khan emphasized.
While we acknowledge that the 'mahapanchayat' has been called off, we urge the state government to ensure the safety of Muslim traders and allow them to reopen their shops in Purola town. It is vital to address the ground reality of fear and polarization that hampers the normal functioning of businesses and threatens the livelihoods of innocent individuals.
We hope that the authorities will take prompt action to investigate incidents of hate speeches and violence, register comprehensive FIRs, and bring the perpetrators of hate crimes to justice, thereby upholding the principles of justice, equality, and communal harmony.
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T'gana RTC strike: Talks between govt, employees successful
Hyderabad (PTI): Talks between employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) who were on strike and the state government concluded successfully on Friday as the government agreed to the key demands of the workmen.
Following a day-long marathon of talks between the leaders of the employees' Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the cabinet sub-committee, the government announced after midnight that it acceded to the demands, including a merger of RTC with the government, 11 per cent pay revision and elections to the employees' unions.
A committee comprising officials and employee leaders would be appointed over the merger of RTC with the government, it said.
The RTC management has also agreed to address the remaining issues as well, an official release said.
The employees would call off their strike and the RTC buses would hit the roads shortly, it said.
The employees had been on an indefinite strike since April 22 over a series of demands, including the merger of RTC with the government.
Earlier in the day, a driver of the RTC, who attempted suicide on April 23 during the strike, died at a hospital here in the early hours of Friday.
Shankar Goud, a 55-year-old driver, set himself ablaze by pouring petrol at Narsampet in Warangal district when the employees were staging a protest on Thursday in support of their demands.
Goud suffered serious burns, was initially admitted to a state-run hospital in Warangal, and later shifted to a super-speciality hospital in Hyderabad for advanced treatment.
"He succumbed (to injuries) at about 1.30 am on Friday," a senior official said.
The driver’s body was taken to his relative’s village, Muttojipet in Warangal district, for funeral rites.
Tension prevailed in Muttojipet as his family members and RTC employees attempted to take the body to the Narsampet bus station, where he worked, to enable his colleagues to pay their last respects. However, police did not permit this, citing law-and-order concerns.
This led to a deadlock before the funeral could proceed.
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticised the Telangana government for not allowing the body to be taken to the Narsampet bus station.
Kumar, Minister of State (Home), visited Muttojipet village in Warangal district, where the funeral was held, and paid homage to Goud.
“They (family members) want to take the body to the bus depot for five minutes. Is the RTC bus depot in Pakistan or Bangladesh? They are emotionally attached to taking the body there. The government is hurting sentiments and creating fear among RTC employees,” Kumar told reporters.
He also expressed anger at the police for not allowing the body to be taken to the bus station and staged a protest, according to a release from his office.
RTC employees and BJP workers attempted to take the mortal remains in an ambulance to Narsampet, but were stopped by the police.
Later, after discussions with the police, the family members and RTC employees agreed to conduct the funeral in the village.
Sanjay Kumar, stating he would abide by the family’s decision, left the village after the funeral was conducted there.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh, a house, and a government job would be provided to the kin of Goud.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the employee’s death and conveyed deep condolences to the grieving family, according to the release.
The RTC employees’ JAC had earlier announced an agitation programme from April 24 to 29, including silent marches and submission of memorandums to MLAs and other leaders.
