Shahnaz M, TwoCircles.net
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich stands as a testament to communal harmony, where the fabric of society weaves together despite the strains of rising Hindu assertiveness and Muslim frustrations. Personal connections among residents continue to foster a spirit of unity.
A Muslim man in his early 50s reminisces about his childhood in the town, where Diwali was celebrated with the same fervor as Eid. This year, despite the recent communal tensions sparked by the Durga idol immersion on October 13, his enthusiasm for the Diwali festivities remains undiminished.
“Back in the mid-1990s, when I was in college, I had a group of Hindu friends. I am the only Muslim among them, but we celebrate each other’s festivals. Nearly three decades later, our bond is as strong as ever. This city has a unique spirit; the personal bonds between Hindus and Muslims endure, even in the face of orchestrated tensions,” he reflects.
He recalls two significant communal clashes: the first in 1983, triggered by the worship of stones near an old mosque and the second in 2002 when torn pages of the Holy Quran were found near the Eidgah. This predominantly Muslim district, close to Faizabad, navigated the turbulent waters of the Ram temple-Babri mosque movement, with many non-Muslims participating in the lengthy struggle.
The recent Bahraich-Maharajganj incident has been a reminder of past tensions, yet he and many others believe in the resilience of Bahraich’s communal harmony.
After the recent incident of communal violence, there is a shared desire among both communities to eliminate provocative songs and slogans.
One resident expressed the growing concern: “It’s not just the loudspeakers; the DJs are using powerful woofers that vibrate our homes. Many have developed health issues, and those who can afford it flee during the festive season, while others endure the noise.”
There’s a consensus that inflammatory slogans only escalate tensions and provoke conflict. They raised questions about why peace committee guidelines were ignored by the police during the procession.
While reports of communal disturbances flood in from across the state, many remain unreported. It prompts fears of more incidents if proactive measures are not taken.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath faces scrutiny as incidents like Bahraich/Maharajganj threaten to undermine his administration’s image. However, political observers suggest that while communal tensions exist, they rarely affect society at large as only a few elements attempt to incite disturbances.
As Bahraich works toward restoring normalcy, there are calls for a thorough investigation into the roots and repercussions of the recent clashes, particularly after BJP MLA Sureshwar Singh filed a police report against party members involved.
Prominent Hindus in the district have also criticised the inflammatory songs played during the procession. “The details of the MLA’s complaint must be included in any investigation,” locals insist.
There is a growing demand for the government to enforce regulations on housing construction in rural areas to ensure that all new developments receive proper approval to prevent future conflicts.