The Yogendra Yadav led Swaraj India has appealed Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar to ensure peace & harmony in Gurgaon and not communalise the situation by making irresponsible statements. For the last few weeks, Gurgaon has seen a disturbing rise in communal tension because of some right wing fundamentalist groups disrupting Muslims offering Namaz in open areas. Rowdy elements supported by self styled leaders and dubious groups have been reported to chant Jai Shri Ram and Radhe Radhe at the public sites where Muslims offer Friday Namaz.
Much of the Muslim population in Gurgaon largely constitute of poor migrants from various states and do not have sufficient number of mosques which can accommodate Friday congregation. These prayers are offered at over 100 public locations while the number of mosques in Gurgaon are not even 15. Therefore denying the Muslim community access to public place tantamounts to denying them the constitutional legal right to practice ones religion.
Concerned at the developments, a team of Swaraj India delegation led by party leader Anupam delved into all aspects of the case by talking to leaders and individuals from both the communities in Gurgaon. The team also met the Commissioner of Police in order to get the administrative perspective and chalk out a harmonious solution.
The Swaraj team has suggested that in case there is any specific location where Friday gathering creates public disturbance, it should be looked into and resolved through a dialogue with the administration. If needed, such location may be barred from congregation. But once the public spaces are marked, it is the duty of state government and administration to ensure that the faithfuls are allowed to offer prayers peacefully. Strong action should be taken against any group or individual indulging in vigilantism by taking law into hands.
Terming the statement made by Chief Minister Khattar as unfortunate, Yogendra Yadav said, “At a time when the CM should have tried to calm down tempers, he is making irresponsible statements resulting in communalisation of the atmosphere. His statement can been seen as a patronage to the rowdy elements and goons disturbing Friday namaz.”
Responding to the Haryana minister who had raised the point of encroachment, Yadav dared him to show even one place in Gurgaon where land encroachment has taken place for a Mosque.
Calling upon all the citizens – Hindus and Muslims – to come together and turn this case into a show of Sadbhavana, Swaraj India gave a call to observe the next Friday as Sadbhavana Day. Party’s national president Yogendra Yadav will be in the city to ensure harmony & brotherhood among all sections of society.
