By TCN Staff Reporter,
Patna: The Muslim Students organization of India (MSO), Raza Academy (RA) and All India Ulema Mashaikh Board (AIUMB) have demanded fair inquiry into the communal tension that erupted in Raja Ka Sahaspur village in Bilari Tehsil of Moradabad district during the Miladun Nabi procession on 16 Feb, 2011.
The tension started between the two communities over the route through which juloos (procession) had to pass. This led to stone-pelting, causing death of a boy and injuries to common people who were part of the procession.
“Muslims houses and shops were looted and their properties were destroyed but instead of nabbing real culprits and rioters, police beat Muslims men, women and children mercilessly and arrested at least 25 youths, registering cases against many others,” said Advocate Shahnawaz Warsi, national general secretary of MSO, while talking to TwoCircles.net over phone.
“This one-sided action taken by Police created fear among the Muslims in the village, something which has spread to nearby areas. Therefore, families from the minority community started leaving the village for their safety while those living there are living in constant fear and insecurity” he added.
Expressing grave concerns at the continuous harassment of the local Muslims by the local police, the Muslim civil society groups shot off a letter to the National Commission for Minorities, demanding its intervention to end the harassment and punishment of guilty police officers.
“We demands stern action against stone-pelters who caused the trouble in the procession from the rooftops and also against the guilty police officers. Considering the arrest of Muslim youths a partial act by the police, we demand their immediate release” he added.
The civil society groups have also demanded Rs. 25 lakh compensation for the family of the killed boy and Rs.5 lakh for each injured person and for those whose properties and houses have been destroyed.
Currently, tension is prevailing in the area because of which security has been tightened and the visits of political leaders as well as gathering of people have been prohibited.