Hate Hatao: CJP’s Campaign Against Division and Discrimination Fighting communalism, eradicating hatred, and promoting constitutional values for a harmonious society, CJP's multipronged initiative toward eradicating hate.

21, Jun 2023 | CJP Team

Citizen for Justice and Peace’s (CJP) Hate Hatao programme encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at countering communalism, hate speech, and discrimination. Through fact-checking, online mapping, interfaith engagement, legal campaigns, and workshops, CJP actively promotes unity, peace, and constitutional values in Indian society. By empowering individuals and fostering active citizen participation, CJP works towards a more inclusive, harmonious, and informed society.

Committed to combating communalism, caste-based violence, and hatred, CJP has consistently worked towards promoting constitutional values of justice, liberty, and equality in Indian society. Through its Hate Hatao programme, CJP has implemented several initiatives, including the diligent fact-checking programme called Hate Busters. Additionally, it has undertaken a proactive legal campaign against hate speech and promptly reports incidents of communal and caste-based violence occurring anywhere in India. In its efforts to foster communal harmony, CJP also highlights acts of everyday unity taking place across the country.

CJP is dedicated to finding and bringing to light instances of Hate Speech, so that the bigots propagating these venomous ideas can be unmasked and brought to justice. To learn more about our campaign against hate speech, please become a member. To support our initiatives, please donate now!

The Hate Hatao programme by Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) is a dedicated effort to combat communalism, caste-based violence, and hatred in Indian society. With a range of initiatives and campaigns, CJP strives to promote constitutional values of justice, liberty, and equality while countering misinformation, hate speech, and discrimination.

One integral component of the Hate Hatao programme is the Hate Busters, an active fact-checking initiative. CJP’s dedicated team tirelessly monitors and debunks fake news circulating on social media platforms and beyond. They rely on cross-checking claims with reliable sources, including government data and private research organisations, to provide accurate information and combat the spread of misinformation. By translating their fact-checking efforts into multiple languages, such as Hindi and Marathi, CJP ensures a wider reach and impact.

CJP also actively engages in promoting everyday communal harmony across India. Their involvement in interfaith events, with unions, feminist groups, and other such groups of very diverse backgrounds, CJP practises what it speaks by making an effort to collectively fight faith. CJP collaborates with various groups, including Anganwadi workers, local women, and village youth, to educate and sensitise them on issues related to the COVID-19 lockdown, Hindu-Muslim violence, and peacebuilding measures. The organisation’s efforts extend to promoting the formation of Citizen’s Mohalla Committees, which serve as platforms for regular interaction with local police and work towards ensuring peace, security, and countering rumours and misinformation.

CJP’s legal campaigns against hate speech play a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable. By reporting instances of hate speech and actively pursuing legal action, CJP strives to protect vulnerable communities from the divisive impact of such rhetoric. For example, they recently filed a complaint against Suresh Chavhanke for his inflammatory remarks targeting the Muslim community. CJP’s proactive engagement with district and state authorities aims to advocate for action against hate speech and maintain social harmony.

 Hate Buster

 CJP’s Hate Buster segment on its website is a fact-checking initiative that is an active initiative constantly keeping track of fake news circulating and gaining traction on social media and elsewhere. Internet users can also submit certain claims that they believe are fallacious and can be busted with the help of CJP. Both of these aspects make the Hate Busting segment a necessary part of the digital ecosystem with its vigilance online as well as the team’s reception to submissions by people online. CJP’s team fact-checks the claim by cross checking the claim’s veracity by going through government data, private research organisations and many other sources prior to declaring a claim false or true. It is a robust exercise which is much needed in the era where the digital media holds such a large presence in society and has the power to nurture minds and fashion people’s thoughts. The echo chamber of hatred attempts to firmly enmesh itself on the internet and beyond, however, CJP’s Hate Busters strive against fake news by stressing the importance of facts and constitutional values over hate – as well as the importance of identifying fake news. CJP translates its Hate Buster in languages other than English, such as Hindi and Marathi as well in order for a wider reach. CJP has done hate-busters on statements of people like current Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who said all is well for India’s Muslims due to their alleged rising population, and former BJP Delhi spokesperson Ashwini Upadhyay’s many unbacked and dubious claims about demographic warfare by Muslims in India.

Nafrat Ka Naqsha

 CJP has launched an initiative called Nafrat Ka Naqsha to track and prevent incidents of hate speech, violence, and discrimination in India. The online map, which evolved from a prototype Peace Map, aims to raise awareness among citizens and encourage intervention in a timely manner. It allows people to register complaints, follow up with authorities, and press for legal action. The map is based on the organisation’s extensive experience in hate tracking over the past decades. By analysing patterns of hate speech, the initiative aims to identify and address emerging trends that can lead to communal violence. CJP believes active citizen participation is crucial in combating hate and protecting India’s democratic values.

Drawing on CJP’s extensive experience in hate tracking, this initiative aims to raise awareness among citizens and facilitate timely intervention. By analysing patterns of hate speech, Nafrat Ka Naqsha helps identify emerging trends that may lead to communal violence, thereby enabling proactive measures to counteract them. Active citizen participation is seen as a crucial element in fighting hate and safeguarding India’s democratic values.

Everyday Harmony Initiatives

While diligently highlighting the challenges posed by communal and caste-based violence, CJP also shines a light on acts of everyday communal harmony that often go unnoticed. By celebrating these stories of unity, CJP cultivates a collective consciousness that transcends divisions, inspiring us all to foster compassion, empathy, and respect in our interactions.

CJP organisation is also actively working to promote unity and peace in India. They recently attended an interfaith Iftar organised by the Maharashtra App-Based Transport Workers’ Union (MAT) in Mumbai – the event aimed to foster interfaith harmony and community among union members. CJP distributed communal harmony stickers and posters, which were well-received.

Despite the growing violence against Muslims and divisive events like Ram Navami rampages, CJP’s Iftar event in 2023 was successful like the several other events it has participated in and helped organise. Around 200 drivers from different faiths gathered for a simple yet hearty Iftarorganised by MAT. This event provided an opportunity for trust-building and dialogue between diverse communities.

CJP also engages with various groups, including Anganwadi workers, local women, and village youth in Uttar Pradesh, for sensitisation on matters related to the COVID-19 lockdown, Hindu-Muslim violence, and peacebuilding measures.

CJP workshop with anganwadi workers.

Additionally, CJP promotes the formation of Citizen’s Mohalla Committees to ensure peace, security, and trust within local communities. These committees serve as a platform for regular interaction with the local police and help prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation which further have been noted to lead to riots.

To counter hate and divisive politics, CJP believes in the power of non-religious groups and unions, such as feminist movements, workers’ unions, and kisan sabhas, to come together and unite above the restrictions of religion and caste and foster peace and harmony. They actively participate in interfaith events, trust-building meetings, and principles of tolerance and harmony.

In summary, CJP’s efforts focus on promoting unity, peace, and interfaith harmony through events like Iftars, engaging with various communities, and countering hate with actionable ideas. They believe in the power of collective engagement to confront divisive politics and create a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Legal Campaigns against Hate Speech

 Not content with mere rhetoric, CJP translates its principles into tangible action. Swift legal campaigns against hate speech serve as a powerful deterrent, ensuring that those who sow seeds of discord face the consequences of their actions. By upholding the rule of law, CJP sends a resounding message that hate has no place in our society and that the pursuit of harmony is paramount. CJP constantly battled against hate speech that has become increasingly rampant against minorities. It regularly reports on hate speech – but also takes legal action against the perpetrators of it as well.

For instance, on June 12 2023, CJP filed a complaint with the authorities regarding a hate speech delivered by Suresh Chavhanke at an event organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj in Sangamner, Maharashtra. Chavhanke made inflammatory remarks targeting the Muslim community, sexualising Muslim women, and encouraging them to marry Hindu men and highlighted the communal and incendiary nature of his speech and expressed their dedication to exposing hate speech and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

CJP also mentioned previous instances of hate speech by Chavhanke in various locations and emphasised the need for swift action and criminal charges against him. The team asserted that his statements could impact the lives of minorities and threaten social harmony. The complaint included evidence of Chavhanke’s speeches and videos posted on Twitter promoting his event and making Islamophobic statements.

CJP has actively reached out to district and state authorities to address Chavhanke’s hate speech as the team believed in the continued need to advocate for action against him and strive to protect vulnerable communities from the effects of communal speeches.

In total, more than 200 such petitions have been submitted to both judicial and non-judicial authorities by CJP. These petitions have highlighted pressing concerns across the nation. These petitions have been filed before esteemed organisations such as the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), National Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA), National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), National Commission for Women (NCW), as well as popular online platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

One notable petition was addressed to the NBDSA, urging them to take immediate action against News Nation and remove videos pertaining to the controversial programme titled “Conversion Jihad.” This show has raised serious concerns and demands for its removal have gained traction among concerned citizens.

In another case, a complaint was filed with Twitter, resulting in the removal of 21 accounts that were found to be threatening Muslim women with sexual violence. This commendable action reflects the growing awareness and intolerance towards online abuse and harassment.

Furthermore, a complaint was submitted to the NCM, requesting a thorough investigation into a hate speech made by Kamlendu Sarkar, where he unjustly alleged that Prophet Mohammed was a rapist. The NCM has called upon the Director General of Police to submit a detailed report on the actions taken in response to this hateful speech.

These petitions and interventions represent the collective efforts of concerned individuals and organisations seeking justice, accountability, and societal progress. As these important issues continue to be raised, it is expected that further actions will be taken by the respective authorities to address the grievances and safeguard the rights of all citizens.

Workshops and Engaging with People

 It is crucial to emphasise the importance of identifying and addressing fake news. In today’s digital age, false information spreads rapidly, leading to misinformation, manipulation, and division among people. Understanding how to spot and stop fake news is vital for maintaining an informed society. By equipping individuals with the tools to critically evaluate information, we can empower them to make informed decisions, preserve the integrity of public discourse, and safeguard the principles of truth and accuracy. The workshops conducted by CJP aimed to shed light on the deceptive tactics used by propagators of fake news, enabling participants to become active defenders against misinformation.

CJP’s Hate Hatao brings to you a ready reckoner for identifying and stopping the deluge of fake-hate news on social media and messaging platforms especially WhatsApp.

Through workshops conducted in various cities, CJP empowers individuals to identify and combat false information. Recognising the significant impact of fake news in today’s digital age, CJP equips participants with the tools to critically evaluate information and become active defenders against misinformation. These workshops highlight the deceptive tactics employed by propagators of fake news, contributing to an informed society that values truth, accuracy, and responsible information dissemination.

CJP’s series of workshops on How to Identify and Combat False Information took place in various cities such as Chennai, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Varanasi.

CJP, a relentless advocate for justice, liberty, and equality, emerges as a transformative force in the battle against communalism, caste-based violence, and hatred. From its inception, CJP has fearlessly confronted these divisive forces, unwavering in its commitment to cultivating a society rooted in constitutional values.

As we reflect on CJP’s remarkable journey, it serves as a testament to the power of collective action and unwavering determination. The path towards a more inclusive society may be arduous, but CJP’s unwavering commitment ignites a flame of hope. In a nation as diverse as India, the quest for justice, liberty, and equality requires a united front. CJP leads the charge, urging individuals and communities to join hands in the pursuit of a society that upholds the principles enshrined in our Constitution.

Together, CJP strives to stand against the tides of communalism, caste-based violence, and hatred, forging a path towards a society where justice prevails, liberty flourishes, and equality reigns supreme.

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