A scene from the Shiv Vihar area following the anti-Muslim violence in Delhi. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons. By https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Banswalhemant. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en
The Socialist Party (India) expresses grief and pays tribute to those killed the Delhi violence, and gives its heartfelt condolences to their loved ones. The party considers this violence to be a grave crime against humanity, and hopes that the central and local governments will not only ensure that those who have incited and engaged in violence are brought to justice, but will take measures to guarantee that such episodes can never be repeated.
It is deeply saddening that Delhi was burning for three days but the Central government, Delhi government and judiciary failed to address the situation. The police also failed to take appropriate action and the nature of their involvement in the violence is suspect. The silence of Home Minister Amit Shah has been particularly jarring, and has made matters worse. The Socialist Party (India) demands that Amit Shah take moral responsibility for the violence and tender his resignation, and that the Centre withdraw the CAA, NPR and NRC immediately so that peace can be restored in the country.
Provocative statements made by BJP leaders such as Kapil Mishra and others in the last several days have led to this violence. SP(I) demands that FIRs be registered against all those who have made incendiary statements and that they be arrested immediately.
The response of the Delhi government to the violence has also been inadequate and inappropriate. It cannot wash its hands of the matter just because the Delhi police is not in its control. The Delhi government could have taken immediate action by having its MLAs visit the affected areas as soon as news of the violence reached them. They may not control the police force, but the common people of Delhi have voted to bring them to power. They have the obligation to ensure the safety and security of the city’s residents. The SP(I) demands that Arvind Kejriwal tender his resignation on moral grounds.
Some people are unfortunately making this violence a basis for furthering their “us” vs. “them” narratives. But this goes against the ethos of our country. We have a long tradition of camaraderie among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains and Buddhists. SP(I) believes that any kind of bloodshed based on religion or ethnicity is a crime against humanity.
Shyam Gambhir
Principal Secretary
Socialist Party (India)
