The post independence India has not seen even a single year free of communal riots and frenzy. In fact there are few years in Indian history that evocate the harsh memories of such infelicitous incidents. That includes, 1992-93 riots after that Babri Mosque demolition, 2002 (Gujarat), 2008 anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal. Indeed the sequel of riots became a national debate.
Notably, riots like Mumbai (1992-93) or Gujarat 2002 didn’t occur in the year 2010. But still the binge of riots shuddered the country. Most of riots in past few years took place either in small cities or villages. The riots of 2010 are quite dreadful to reckon. The unprecedented operations of RSS and its supporting organization are communalizing the society at great extent. Even a moderate party like Congress had to be tough towards communalism. However, Congress has its self interest behind this approach.
The BJP has become a target of Congress, but is not as active in the spread of communalism as the other members of RSS are. However, BJP supports them completely. In the states where BJP is in power it is supporting RSS to spread its web. A huge number of people with RSS ideology are recruited in government services.
According to central home ministry, between the year 2001 and 2009 around 6541 incidences of communalism took place in country and around 2234 people died. However, the number of deaths in government documents was quite less than the actual numbers.
Leaving Gujarat riots aside, government records in the period of 8 years, show that around 234 people died in communal violence. That is highly questionable. If we consider the official record (1000)then it is also clear that within 8 years, 1234 people died, that means 150 people every year. This is also quite shocking.
The last riot of 2009 took place on 30th of December in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. In the year 2010 two incidents took place in Rajasthan. RSS aims to transform Rajasthan as a replica of Gujarat, unfortunately it has been successful at great extent. On communal front Maharashtra has also become sensitive. Excluding the year 1995-2000, the state has been ruled by Congress since a long time.
The information available manifests that the first riot of the year 2010 took place in Yavatmal in Maharashtra. On 16th of January a rumor spread that somebody has painted the black color on pictures of Shivaji and Bal Thackrey . Consequently, Shiv Sainiks came on the roads and pelted stones. Police somehow controlled the situation and 50 Shiv Sainiks were arrested. The southern region of Karnataka, has become sensitive zone of communal violence. After the advent of BJP, Shri Ram Sena became agile. The Christians and Muslims have been attacked in the state thereby have become victim of violence and bloodshed.
Violence erupted in Bareilly of Uttar Pradesh on birth anniversary of Paigambar Saheb. On 2nd of March the Muslims organised Julus- e- Muhammad in which thousands of Muslims took part. The Hindus at the same time tried to create obstacles. In the spur of moment stone pelting began and vehicles were stopped. Probably, 330 policemen posted in the region were not enough. Bareilly came under curfew. On 8th of March, the president of Ittehad –e- Millat Council, Maulana Takir Raza Khan was arrested for giving polemical speech. He was released on 11th of March as the Muslims clamoured against his arrest. That ultimately infuriated Hindus.
There is no history of communal violence in Bareilly. It is often predicted that the emergence of Congress has become a matter of apprehension for Mayawati and in turn she has gone for secret agreement with BJP. That will eventually bifurcate Hindus and Muslims. The enmity has escalated between BSP and Congress. Ironically politics not the religion is a reason behind outbreak of communal violence and any party can audaciously use it as an instrument to fulfill its shrewd ambitions. The riots became a national issue that was even raised in the Parliament.
After Bareilly, Hyderabad came under the cloud of communal violence. Majlis-e Ittihadul –Musalmeen and BJP led to communal mongering in Hyderabad. Considerably, the old city of Hyderabad has a mixed population of poor Muslims and Hindus with comparatively better economic status. There are many Hindu traders who are supporters of BJP. Most of the poor Muslims support Majlis that has been trying to increase its strength. Last year it decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Paigambar Sahib. In the old city a huge replica of the grave of Paigambar Sahib was displayed. Perhaps for the first time Majlis decorated the old city. On the other hand BJP decided to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti. A huge idol of Lord Hanuman was placed. The BJP workers removed the flags and banner of Paigamber’s birth anniversary that further led to chaos and unrest.
Apart the differences between BJP and Majlis there are several other reasons for the outbreak of riots in Hyderabad. Few people are of opinion that in order to destablise the government Jagmohan Reddy was behind the riots. Besides there is also a discussion that big builders have the strings of these riots. The cost of land in old Hyderabad has increased and builders want the land to be vacated. On the other hand it is also said that to form the government in neigbouring Karanataka BJP aims to capture power in Andhra Pradesh. The reason might be any of these but certainly it was a huge riot with long lasting effects in the old city of Hyderabad. Indeed, it worsened the lives of poor people who famished without basic necessities. Gradually, the communal propaganda has intensified indicating that major communal riots can take place anytime and anywhere the communal forces want.
