By RINA,
New Delhi: Muslim organizations of Vidarbh (Maharashtra) yesterday organized a dharna (sit-in) in Nagpur, the winter capital of Maharashtra, to demand proper probe into the Dhule riot and compensation to the family of the riot victims.
Sitting jointly under the auspices of Vidarbh Muslim Mahasangh and Yavatmal Muslim Action District Committee (EMMADC), the participants alleged that the state government is adopting dual policy for Muslims.
Vidarbh Muslims complain that the state government has not taken any substantial action against the culprits who derogated the Holy Qur’an in Digras during the riot. The government had announced inquiry into the riot but no further action has been taken in this regard. They demanded immediate action in this case.
Protesting over government’s dual standards, an activist and local leader Mohammad Nadeem said, “They were Muslims who suffered both the loss of lives and the destruction of capital in Dhule riot but later action by police was directed toward Muslims themselves.” A number of Muslim youths have been arrested in connection with the riot under articles 302 and 307 of IPC and the practice continues in spite of government assurance to contrary effect.
On this occasion, a social worker belonging to EMMADC demanded government assistance in the form of Rs 10 lakh each to the family of those killed during the riot. More than fifteen thousand people participated in the demonstration while the state Assembly session is going on.
Later, the leaders of the demonstration submitted a memorandum to the chief minister in leadership of former state minister and a popular Muslim leader Baba Ziauddin Siddiqui.