This was the topic for a 3-day seminar organised by ANHAD, a well-known human rights organisation, on October 3-5 in New Delhi. The participants of this seminar included prominent human rights activists and representatives of organisations fighting for justice and rule of law in the country. The seminar has brought to light the atrocities on the Muslims in the recent past. It registered its deep concern on the second class citizen treatment being meted out to the Indian Muslims which is against the very spirit of our Constitution.
A high power jury consisting of stalwarts like Prashant Bhushan, Ram Punyani, Tarun Tejpal, Harsh Mander, Colin Gonslavs, Mahesh Bhat, Roop Rekha Verma, Zoya Hasan, etc. examined the cases of wrongful confinement, illegal arrest and inhuman torture of innocent Muslim youths under suspicion or on spurious charges and killing of scores of persons in fake encounters by communal minded police officers.
The problem of widespread discrimination against Muslims in education, employment and availability of social services and developmental benefits was also discussed in detail. The seminar concluded that Muslim citizens have been forced to feel alienated as their confidence in law enforcement agenises, judiciary, political parties and media is at a very low ebb.
The members of jury listened to case after case of wronged and tortured individuals or their relatives. They concluded that the bogey of terrorism is being used at the behest of fascists to instil permanent fear in the hearts of the community.
The seminar demanded that a high level judicial commission under a retired Supreme Court chief justice should be constituted to examine all events of terrorism.
It should investigate all fake encounters and suspicious cases and submit its report within a year so that all the innocent persons who are languishing in jails may be released. It was noted with anguish that 20 to 50 cases have been launched against the alleged ‘terrorists’ and they are being dragged from one court to another in different states without any progress.
The victims narrated how inhuman torture is routinely employed and forced confessions are extracted. The jury, after examination of complaints and thorough study of the cases, has recommended concerted and sincere efforts for giving representation to Muslims in police and judiciary so that it may help in solving the problem. It stresses that the Anti Communal Violence Bill should be passed expeditiously and in case of communal violence the concerned officials should be held responsible and proceeded against. A demand was made for prosecuting under Section 153 the individuals and organisations indulging in spreading hatred and communal violence.
A strong case was made for implementing the recommendations of Sachar Committee in toto.
The continued discrimination against and atrocities on Muslims, who form one seventh of India’s population does not bode well for our democracy, social cohesion and economic development. It is the negation of all moral principles and norms of a civilised society. Therefore every well wisher of the country and believer in human dignity and justice must support these well meaning and justified demands put forward by eminent human rights activists and organisations. Let’s pray and hope that justice and fair play for every community and individual is guaranteed and made available in our country.