– Raheem Khan
Jaipur, June 28: On Thursday, a delegation from the Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity (FDCA) and the Association for Protection and Civil Rights (APCR) visited the Soorsagar area in Jodhpur, which has recently been affected by communal violence.
The incident occurred on the night of June 21. A dispute erupted between two communities in the Soorsagar police station area over the opening and closing of a gate at a local Eidgah. The police intervened and initially calmed both parties. However, the conflict reignited later that night, resulting in stone-pelting, arson involving a shop and a tractor, and attacks on the police. An additional police force was deployed to restore order, leading to several arrests. Despite these measures, communal tension persists, necessitating heavy police presence in the area.
During their visit, the delegation engaged with local residents to gather firsthand accounts of the incident. Many community members, particularly women, reported instances of police brutality and wrongful arrests of innocent individuals. It also noted that community elders had not adequately communicated with the younger generation about the incident, contributing to ongoing unrest.
The delegation urged local residents, especially elders, to establish a goodwill committee to address disputes within the community and prevent the need for police intervention. They emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts amicably to maintain peace.
The delegation also met with senior police officials, including the Police Commissioner, DCP, and SHO, to discuss the situation. They called for the immediate release of innocent detainees and a thorough investigation to hold those responsible for the violence accountable. The police assured the delegation that they would ensure no innocent individuals were unjustly arrested.
The delegation included notable members such as Sawai Singh (State President, FDCA), Retired Judge T.C. Rahul (Vice President, FDCA), Advocate Syed Saadat Ali (State President, APCR), Muzammil Rizvi (State General Secretary, APCR and FDCA), and other representatives from both organizations.
