Kancha Illaih's ordeal a reflection of creeping fascism in India say Indian Americans
Violence and threats against world-renowned Dalit scholar condemned by Indian diaspora
The Alliance for Justice And Accountability (AJA), an
umbrella coalition of progressive organizations across the United
States, today condemned the life-threatening attacks against renowned
author and Dalit scholar Kancha Illaiah by members of the Arya Vysyas
community. The attack was an attempt on the life of the outspoken
political philosopher who has authored several books including "Why I
am not a Hindu," "Buffalo Nationalism Post-Hindu India," "Untouchable
God," among many others. The violence and ensuing death threats were
apparently a response to the release of a chapter from his book on
"Post-Hindu India."
AJA has demanded court ordered 24-hour protection of Professor
Kancha Illaiah, and accountability for those that threatened his life,
under the full extent of the law. The role of the police, who failed to
even file a First Information Report (FIR), on Prof. Illaiah's complaint
needs further scrutiny. The life-threatening situation was exacerbated
when a Member of Parliament from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) T.G.
Venkatesh addressed a press conference against the author and
sought that he be "hanged publicly." The silence of mainstream Indian
media is telling of an atmosphere where expression of any ideas that go
against the Hindutva narrative creates security risks.
Instead of expressing remorse for the incident, J.
Venkateshwar-President of Andhra Pradesh Arya Varsya Mahasahba (AVP)
demanded an apology from Prof. Illaiah, failing which AVP would protest
wherever Prof. Illaiah went in the state.
"The police's bias and refusal to uphold the law in
defense of an intellectual bodes ill for the safety and security of
common citizens in India and for the future of political dissent," said
Mr. Ahsan Khan, President of Indian American
Muslim Council (IAMC), an AJA-constituent. "That a sitting member of
Parliament called for violence against a renowned scholar is reflective
of the extent to which a fascist mindset has taken root amongst sections
of the Indian political class," added Mr. Khan.
In Illaiah's complaint, he stated that no FIR was registered
in the matter by the police. After the attack Illaiah was followed by
200 protestors until he proceeded to Warangal city under a police
escort. Illaiah put himself under house arrest in an effort to safeguard
his life.
"An attack against one of the most renowned Dalit scholars,
writers and thinkers is outrageous and an affront to freedom of speech.
People are not tolerant and open to criticism when information
challenges Hindu doctrine," said Umang Kumar, a member of AJA ad
community activist from Boston.
The Alliance for Justice and Accountability has pledged to work
with people of all faiths to defend India from the onslaught of hate and
divisiveness.
Contact:
Alliance for Justice and Accountability
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