India - Alert: Communal violence in Alirajpur district again [in Madhya Pradesh] | 18th July, 2015. 10:00 pm

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Communal violence in Alirajpur district again

18th July, 2015. 10:00 pm

I was informed by a contact that some miscreants in Katthiwada town of Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh were creating communal tension. I confirmed this with two other sources and then communicated it to Mr. Vipin Maheshwari, who is the IG Police for Indore range. He thanked me for sharing this information and told me that the SP was on his way to Katthiwara. Later, at night, I found out that SP held a meeting of local people and a Peace March was done in Katthiwada.

I thought that was the end of the incident and there was no need to panic any more. I was hoping things would normalize so Muslims of Katthiwada would be able to celebrate Eid in peace. Unfortunately, that did not happen. I received phone calls again from the area today informing me about shops being burnt in Dhyana village near Katthiwada. As I write this message, I am getting information about looting and burning of shops in nearby villages Ambar and Nakti. It is heartbreaking to think of the situation of Muslims in these villages who have been waiting to celebrate Eid.

As usual, I am requesting all concerned citizens to pay attention to this and do what we can do in such times. I request Indore friends and activists to meet IG Police and Commissioner. I request Bhopal friends to convey it to DGP Mr. Surendra Singh and ADG (Intelligence) Mr. Sarbjeet Singh and send a delegation to meet both of them.

I request all concerned citizens to phone up and send messages to Alirajpur Collector (DM) Mr. Shekhar Verma (Mobile-9926581755) and SP Mr. Sourabh Kumar (8871328954) asking them to restore peace in the area and restore law and order as soon as possible.

It seems that district administration and Police have failed to provide safety and reassurance to the minority community in the area. There is a dense forest between Katthiwada and Bhabra (place where great martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad was born) which is being used by the rioters as their hideout and base. If you remember, Alirajpur was on communal fire in April first week this year also, but with the active and timely intervention of all concerned people things were brought under control just in few days. Friends form Bhopal met the DGP. Many people called up and put pressure on the Police and administration. Senior Police officers took cognizance of the situation and showed their regard to the Constitution and secular fabric of our country. Incidentally, Alirajpur was a part of Jhabua district before it was given a district status, and Jhabua has recently been in news because of the death of a journalist Akshay Singh during Vyapam investigation.

Please take immediate action and help in restoring peace for all.

Vineet Tiwari

General Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Progressive Writers’ Association 9818175205/9893192740