Muzaffarnagar riots: Amnesty blames UP government for plight of survivors
New Delhi, Sep 8 : Amnesty International on Saturday castigated the Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh for doing little to ensure justice and rehabilitation for the survivors of the 2013 Muzaffarnagar communal violence.
On the fifth anniversary of the deadly riots in Muzaffarnagar district that claimed at least 60 lives and displaced over 50,000 people, the Amnesty International India blamed the state government's apathy for seven gang-rape survivors still awaiting justice and the displaced continuing to look for rehabilitation.
"The Uttar Pradesh government has forgotten the riot survivors of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli. The state has done very little to redress the injustice they have faced. The government's attempt at rehabilitation and compensation has been woefully inadequate", said Asmita Basu, Programmes Director, Amnesty International India.
She said justice remained elusive for the seven gangrape survivors who have received little assistance from authorities to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
"There has not been even one conviction in any of the seven cases so far. In 2016, one of the survivors died during childbirth," she said.
Quoting one of the survivors, a mother of five, Amnesty International India said the victims have lost all hope of getting justice and are now hoping for survival of their families.
"Their rapists are out in the open for years now. Women are scared to pursue their cases and they cannot be blamed for this. There are media reports of compromises being made and of money being offered and accepted by many of the seven families. We need to understand the realities in which these women have survived all these years. They are scared and have lost all faith in the system," said Rehana Adeeb, an activist working with the survivors.
THe rights body said an overwhelming majority of families in resettlement colonies lack access to basic services like clean drinking water and drainage facilities.
"The Uttar Pradesh government's callous treatment of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli riot survivors is a breach of its commitment to uphold basic constitutional values. The riot survivors have been forced to live in a vicious cycle of poverty and discrimination. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister must ensure that the voices of the survivors are heard immediately and justice is delayed no further", added Basu.
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Bidar gears up for the Third National Convention of Quraish Conference on April 12
Bidar: Preparations are in full swing for the Third National Convention of the Quraish Conference, scheduled to be held on April 12 at SM Hangargi Function Hall, located opposite DCC Bank in Bidar city. The announcement was made through a press note by Muhammad Nabi Qureshi, President of the Quraish Conference (Registered), Karnataka.
The convention will focus on key issues concerning the Quraish community in Karnataka, particularly addressing fundamental rights, atrocities faced by members of the business community, and other pressing concerns. Delegates from various parts of the country including Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, and other states are expected to attend, marking it as a significant national gathering.
According to the press release, this third edition of the national convention aims to unite the Quraish community across India, confront social evils within the community, promote education, and explore measures to safeguard livelihoods and traditional businesses.
In this convention, Mohammad Rahim Khan Sahib (Minister of Local Government, Administration and Hajj Affairs, Government of Karnataka), Bandappa Kasimpur Sahib (Former Minister, Government of Karnataka), Dr. Abdul Qadeer Sahib (Chairman, Shaheen Group of Institutions), Mohammad Masood Ahmed Sahib (President, Aam Aadmi Forum (NGO)) will be the special guests.
As per the release, the third national convention will be presided over by Advocate Sanobar Ali Qureshi, National President of Qureshi Conference.
A number of important resolutions will be discussed and adopted during the session. Key proposals include:
A call for the Karnataka Government to repeal the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020 and restore the provisions of the 1964 Act.
A demand for the establishment of modern slaughterhouses at the district level across all states, preferably on land owned by local municipal bodies, to boost employment opportunities.
An appeal to both Central and State Governments to establish Meat Boards at respective levels, along with a single-window system to address industry concerns efficiently.
A request for greater representation of the Quraish community in state-level decision-making bodies.
Legal experts and Supreme Court lawyers will also participate in the convention, offering insights into the constitutional validity and legal perspectives surrounding these demands.
