Haryana Violence: Action Initiated Against Panchayats Barring Entry of Muslims

August 13, 2023

What's the story:
The Haryana government has started issuing show-cause notices to several gram panchayats and sarpanches (village heads) for banning the entry of Muslims into their villages after the communal violence in Nuh, Haryana. The notices were issued under Section 51 of the Haryana Gram Panchayati Raj Act, which relates to the suspension or removal of sarpanches or panches.

Context: Why does this story matter?

Communal violence broke out in Nuh on July 31, after a Muslim mob allegedly threw stones at a procession organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. This violence spread to neighboring areas, and the violence claimed six lives. In the aftermath, several gram panchayats in districts like Rewari, Jhajjar, and Mahendragarhreportedly passed resolutions barring the entry of Muslims into their villages, in apparent retaliation for the violence in Nuh.

Details:

• Action against panchayats and sarpanches:
  The Deputy Commissioner of Rewari, Mohd. Imran Raza, confirmed that show-cause notices had been issued to the gram panchayats and their respective sarpanches. He mentioned, "They [gram panchayats and sarpanches] shall send their replies, which will be examined. Further action will be taken after examining the replies they submit."

• FIRs against panchayats and sarpanches:
  The Haryana Police have reportedly registered FIRs against certain gram panchayats and sarpanches in Rewari for their controversial orders against Muslims. However, local officials have remained tight-lipped about the details of the FIRs.

Reports:

• Prohibition of Muslim traders:
  Some panchayat heads in Mahendergarh, Jhajjar, and Rewari districts have issued letters barring Muslim traders from entering their villages. While many sarpanches have denied writing such letters, the district authorities have noted the letters circulating on social media and have started investigations.

Nuh Violence:

The violence in Nuh on July 31 allegedly began when a Muslim mob threw stones at the procession, and several vehicles were set on fire. The violence spread, with reports indicating that vehicles and shops in Sohna, Gurugram, were set ablaze, allegedly by members of Bajrang Dal. Later, a mosque was reportedly torched, and the imam, Hafiz Saad, was allegedly killed by Hindu rioters.