23, Dec 2024 | CJP Team

Amid escalating concerns over temple-mosque disputes across India, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has filed a crucial preventive complaint on December 23, urging Maharashtra authorities to intervene before the “Third Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad” event in Shirdi, scheduled for December 24-25, 2024 (Two-Days Event). CJP highlights in its complaint that the event’s potential to stoke communal tensions, given its controversial organizers, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), known for divisive rhetoric. With the event’s unclear agenda and Shirdi’s history of religious harmony, CJP urged for immediate action to protect peace and prevent any threat to communal unity.

In a complaint before the District Administration of Ahmednagar, CJP stated that the event’s agenda remains unclear, but based on the track record of the organizers and possible that it could escalate into inflammatory speeches and provocative statements that may jeopardize the peace and harmony of the region. In its complaint, CJP urges the authorities to take pre-emptive measures, in line with the directions from the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Bombay High Court, to avoid any escalation of communal tensions.

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A dangerous precedent: the risk of provocative rhetoric and hate speech

The primary concern of CJP lies in the potential for hate-filled speeches and provocative rhetoric at the event, which could easily stoke communal discord. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, known for its history of making incendiary statements against religious minorities, has previously been involved in organizing events that led to communal disharmony. CJP anticipates that the upcoming event could follow a similar pattern, as there is no transparency regarding the speakers or their content. Given the organization’s controversial stance, it is highly likely that speeches at the event will include inflammatory statements that could provoke violence.

CJP draws parallels to recent incidents in other parts of India, where events centered around religious issues, particularly places of worship, have spiraled into violence and unrest. For instance, in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, clashes erupted over a mosque survey, resulting in loss of lives and severe communal tensions. Such incidents have shown how sensitive issues involving religious spaces can be exploited by extremist groups, with catastrophic consequences. The CJP complaint warns that the event in Shirdi could follow this trajectory, affecting the communal harmony not just the region but the entire state of Maharashtra.

CJP’s urgent appeal to the authorities

In its complaint, CJP stresses that the authorities must act promptly to prevent any incitement of violence or hate speech. The complaints highlight the importance of not just monitoring the event but ensuring the accountability of the organizers for the content of the event. The local law enforcement agencies must take the necessary steps to prevent any inflammatory statements, ensuring that no one uses religious spaces or gatherings as platforms to sow division and hostility between communities.

Supreme Court appeals to authorities to uphold peace and harmony

The petition also references recent Supreme Court directives that emphasize maintaining peace and harmony, particularly in situations involving religious sensitivities. CJP invokes the Court’s appeal in the case of the Sambhal Jama Masjid incident, where the Supreme Court stressed the need for authorities to take preventive action to avoid violence stemming from disputes over religious matters.

“In light of the Supreme Court’s recent appeal for peace and harmony in the case concerning the Sambhal Jama Masjid, CJP submit this preventive complaint regarding the “Third Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad” scheduled for December 24-25, 2024, in Shirdi. The Supreme Court, during its hearing on November 29, 2024, urged that “peace and harmony must be maintained” and expressed the desire for no further escalation, following the violence that erupted in Sambhal over a mosque survey. The survey, which was ordered based on claims that the mosque was built on a demolished temple, triggered violent clashes, resulting in the loss of four lives. This tragic event highlights the serious risks of escalating tensions when sensitive issues related to religious sites are addressed in provocative ways. The upcoming event in Shirdi, organized by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, raises similar concerns. Given the known history of inflammatory rhetoric associated with the organization, there is a real danger that the event could inflame communal tensions and lead to violence, particularly around religious spaces” according to CJP’s complaint.

Shirdi: a city of coexistence, at risk of unraveling due to extremist agendas

Shirdi, known for being the home of the revered saint Sai Baba, is a symbol of religious unity, where both Hindus and Muslims coexist in harmony. The city has long been a beacon of peace, where Sai Baba’s teachings of tolerance and respect for all religions have been embraced by millions of devotees. However, with the “Third Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad” event scheduled to take place in the heart of Shirdi, there is an alarming risk of disturbing this delicate balance.

CJP further mentioned in its complaint that, the potential for divisive rhetoric to erupt at the event and provoke tensions between communities cannot be underestimated. If left unchecked, the event could cause irreparable damage to the social fabric of Shirdi, turning a city once known for religious unity into a flashpoint for communal conflict. CJP urges the authorities to prevent this by ensuring that the event remains peaceful and free from hate speech, in line with the constitutional guarantees of equality and religious freedom.

Inflammatory speech threatens religious Harmony & Safety

The CJP complaint outlines the risks posed by inflammatory statements that target religious minorities, calling attention to the broader implications such rhetoric can have on society. The recent spate of violence related to religious issues underscores the dangers of allowing hate speech to flourish unchecked. It is not only a threat to public safety but a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. CJP cites several previous Supreme Court rulings, which have emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of hate speech and ensuring the peaceful conduct of public events.

By urging immediate preventive measures, CJP asks the authorities to take their responsibility seriously and act swiftly to avoid any potential escalation. As the complaint notes, the events organized by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti have a history of causing communal polarization, and it is imperative that the authorities intervene to prevent any harm to the social and religious harmony of Maharashtra.

CJP’s complaint dated December 23, 2024 can be read here

Image: hindujagruti.org/

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