The Nuh violence reignited the conflict between the Hindu majority and Muslim minority in Indian politics. The sad display of communal divide and hatred teaches us three lessons. But three incidents during and after the violence went unnoticed by most – they show us that there’s hope amid the chaos.
To place the Nuh violence in context, an understanding of the district’s historical and current socio-political backdrop is a prerequisite.
Nuh is among the most underdeveloped areas in the country. The recent violent episode reveals a narrative of deep-rooted challenges that go beyond mere criminal incidents, encompassing gaps in education, poverty, gender equality, and the complex issue of cow vigilantism that exacerbates these difficulties. The district’s emergence as a hub for cybercrime further underscores its vulnerabilities.
Additionally, there has been a rise in inflammatory speeches and the formation of cow vigilante groups. The region is also notorious for violence against the Dalit community by Muslims. In 2020, Pawan Kumar, a retired judge from Haryana, conducted an extensive investigation into the existing conditions in Nuh and drew a comparison between the violence perpetrated against Dalits in the district and the oppressive reign of Aurangzeb.
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The buildup to violence
Given this knowledge and the current circumstances, it is unmistakably clear that the administration has fallen short in executing adequate safety measures to effectively handle the situation. The inception of the Jalabhishek Yatra, which was being carried out by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on 31 July and was abandoned due to the violence, happened in 2021 and maintained a peaceful course till this year.
According to The Times of India, the dissemination of numerous inflammatory videos doing the rounds involving a Bajrang Dal member, and cow vigilante Monu Manesar set the stage for violence. Given the potential hazards, it was imperative for the government to be prepared to address any eventualities. Even after the violence largely subsided and protest rallies by VHP ended on 2 August, a Pakistani YouTuber named Ahsan Mewati tried to add fuel to the fire by posting anti-Hindu comments, urging the Muslim community in Nuh to kill Manesar. There was no administrative scrutiny or curbs on the spread of such inflammatory content on social media.
Three takeaways
The most significant lesson learnt from this incident is that the police and the Manohar Lal Khattar government failed to gauge the brewing tensions and anticipate the violence. How could the state dispatch home guard personnel to an area where even police forces feel at risk? It is the administration’s fundamental responsibility to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
Another significant point to reflect on is the inclination to attribute complete accountability for the violence to Monu Manesar. A suspect in the murder of two Muslim men in February 2023, he was not even involved in the procession on 31 July. In any case, though, is it justifiable to throw stones at a religious march, an act that triggered a chain of violent acts and culminated in the deaths of six individuals, injuring over 200, and the destruction of a mosque?
The argument that the violence was provoked, which seemingly legitimises the pursuit of counter-violence and the targeting of other communities, is a perilous standpoint. Consider applying the same rationale to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi’s “15-minute” speech. Would it then rationalise Hindus launching an assault on a Muslim procession because they were provoked?
Therefore, instead of shifting blame solely on some individuals, it is crucial for Muslims and Hindus to acknowledge their collective role in addressing conflicts. Encouraging self-introspection and fostering a mindset where challenges are perceived as the shared responsibility of all can facilitate united efforts to prevent such issues at any expense, regardless of the existence of fringe elements.
The third takeaway is avoiding extremist positions and refraining from undue apologies owing to our shared identity. Although social media might portray a dichotomy, with both sides considering themselves as victims and viewing the other as perpetrators of violence, India resides in the middle ground, where people aspire to move forward with their lives despite the differences. In a world dominated by divisive narratives and polarised views, there exist shining examples that remind us of the power of unity and compassion.
Hope in chaos
A day after the Nuh violence, when a Sohna mosque in Gurugram was allegedly vandalised by a mob, members of the Sikh community rose above the chaos. Displaying extraordinary courage and empathy, they orchestrated a daring rescue operation, ensuring the safety of the mosque’s imam, his family, and a group of young children in the nearby madrasa. And there was another heartening tale that most missed. In a neighbouring district on 31 July, a Hindu father and son, Karan and Vivek, caught in the middle of the riots, sought refuge at a Muslim family’s home. In an inspiring display of compassion, the Muslim family sheltered the father-son duo for hours.
A glimmer of hope recently emerged from panchayats across three districts in Haryana. These local governing bodies revoked their decision to boycott Muslim traders, which they had made in the aftermath of the Nuh violence. This reversal demonstrates the power of dialogue, understanding, and the willingness to walk on a path toward communal harmony even in the face of challenging circumstances.
These narratives from Sohna, the Muslim family in Nuh, and the three Haryana panchayats are not isolated incidents. They echo the sentiment of the silent majority of India, those who yearn for peaceful coexistence, away from the clamour of extremism and hatred. These stories remind us that beyond the noise of division, there exists a profound desire among people to build bridges, offer solace, and foster a sense of togetherness that transcends any superficial differences.
As we navigate the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world, these stories serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a more harmonious future. They remind us that when humanity unites against the forces of division, compassion triumphs over conflict, and unity prevails over hostility. It is these stories, rooted in the very essence of our shared humanity, which inspire us to collectively create a world defined by empathy, understanding, and lasting peace.
Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist and TV news panelist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amana and Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Views are personal.
(Edited by Humra Laeeq)