Innovative Approaches Required to Address Social Discord

Amarendra Yadav:

Numerous instances of racial tension that are poised to erupt into violent episodes are developing around the nation. Almost all conventional approaches to fostering harmony between Hindus and Muslims today prove ineffective. To build enduring harmony among various segments of the population, new, creative approaches are needed. The Communication Research Group (CRG) has advocated for putting twice as many staff in administration in the Nuh district based on their thorough investigation of the violent incidents that occurred on July 31 in Nuh, Haryana. The additional group will be responsible for fostering regular, constructive communication across the various sections and for deactivating and rusticating individuals and organisations that preach or promote discord.
According to the Communication Research Group's examination of newspapers, television shows, social media, participants, observers, and authorities, hostility between Hindus and Muslims began to rise days before the Yatra was scheduled to be taken. A CRG representative revealed in an online discussion that some Muslims had also plotted to attack the Yatra. However, neither the peace committee nor the government were aware of how serious the situation was, and nothing was done to stop the violent attacks.
The Mewat Teerth Yatra procession was reportedly stoned and fired upon from the nearby hills, according to CRG research. Swords, iron rods, and sticks were used to attack the processions on the streets.
Although Muslims are the majority in Mewat, caste and gotra identities are still recognised there, according to a group of six researchers who include teachers, social scientists, and media professionals. A small portion of the area's dominant community is purposefully sowing discord, animosity, and jealousy among its various segments. Researchers have further found that because of the social tensions and mistrust present in this community, it is relatively simple for criminals to incite violence.
Every year, during the Mewat Teerth Yatra, pilgrims travel roughly 80 kilometres to three historic temples in Nuh to offer prayers. Participants come from Nuh, the remainder of Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Muslims have traditionally participated and provided amenities to travellers. Even though there was a significant likelihood of an attack on processions, the planners decided to go ahead with the procession after Nalhad Mahadev Temple's prayers on the administration's guarantee. The vehicles were stoned and fired upon after a brief distance. The few police officers who were present were also attacked.
Travellers were attacked with sticks, iron rods, and swords on the highways. Several two-wheelers, buses, trucks, vehicles, and trucks caught fire. Women and children among the Yatrees sought refuge in the Nalhad Mahadev Temple. No criminals tried to break inside the temple. The police afterwards transported the stranded yatrees to safe locations after a short period of time. In addition to stone-throwing and gunfire during this rescue, police also opened fire in reaction towards the hills. Violence, shop burnings, looting, and other occurrences occurred in the adjacent communities during the following two to three days, including assaults against Muslims. A Maulvi was also killed, and criminals broke into a mosque and caused damage.
One of the main recommendations by CRG is to deploy administrative personnel in double of existing numbers. The additional personnel’s task should be to create continuous and positive dialogue between the two communities and to rusticate the persons who provoke mistrust and communal hatred. CRG has also recommended that special efforts be made to intensify the communication between youngsters in schools and colleges and they may be engaged in creative and useful activities. CRG has strongly recommended that all school-going girls in the district be given a stipend double the amount that is given in other parts of the state. As a long-term solution, the Research Group has suggested that a Working Group be established, which will investigate and test out novel ways to foster love and peace between the local groups. These measures, when successful may be implemented in other communally explosive areas of the country.