‘People resort to violence when injustice is meted out’

Stating that terrorism in India is largely perceived as a counter-product of communalism, Rajeev Yadav, human right activist and executive member of Rihai Manch, Uttar Pradesh, has said that people have resorted to violence when injustice is meted out.

He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Human right violation in India and the way forward towards terror-free India,’ organised by the district unit of the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) here on Wednesday.

Referring to the observations of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Yadav said that people often rebelled against the society when they were oppressed, their fundamental rights were taken away and their social dignity was in peril.

“Perhaps this was one of the reasons why some of the Muslims took up violence after the demolition of the Babri Masjid. After the demolition, there were communal riots where Muslims were systematically targeted and killed. It happened in Mumbai too where violence was planned and Muslims were killed. After these incidents, many Muslims perhaps felt deprived and oppressed, which forced them to rebel against the society, and later they were branded as terrorists,” he said.

Referring to the report of the Sri Krishna Commission, which inquired into the Mumbai communal riots that erupted after the Babri Masjid demolition, Mr. Yadav said that while many Muslims were arrested in connection with the violence, the main perpetrators, who were named in the report, remained at large.

Without naming Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, Mr. Yadav said that the main culprit was never arrested. “On the contrary, he was given State honours when he died,” he said.

Referring to the statements of BJP leaders and right-wing elements, Mr. Yadav said that a section was trying to project Muslims as second class citizens.

“They want Muslims to either accept their diktat or go to Pakistan,” he said.

Jerald D’souza, director, Centre for Non-formal Education, said that the in order to make India terror free, efforts should be make to protect the social fabric of the country by upholding the aspirations of the Constitution.

“Democracy ensures equality to all. If this is maintained, India can be a terror-free country,” he said.

SIO State president Labeed Shafi and Irshad Ahmed Desai, State convener, APCR, were present.