Bahraich: In the aftermath of communal violence in Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, several Muslim residents have been detained under the National Security Act (NSA), prompting criticism from legal experts and community leaders. The clashes, which occurred in late September during a religious procession, involved confrontations between Hindu and Muslim groups.
Eyewitnesses and video evidence reportedly indicate that Hindu mobs initiated attacks, including arson and physical assaults. Despite this, the majority of preventive actions and arrests under NSA have targeted Muslim residents. Several homes and shops belonging to Muslims were damaged or set on fire, while injuries were reported on both sides.
Civil society groups condemned the use of NSA as disproportionate and discriminatory. “Preventive detention laws should protect all citizens, not penalize a single community,” said a local rights activist. Legal experts raised concerns over selective enforcement, emphasizing that evidence contradicts official claims of who instigated the violence.
Community leaders in Bahraich called for a neutral investigation to ensure accountability for all parties and to restore communal harmony. They urged authorities to review the cases under NSA and apply the law impartially, warning that biased enforcement could deepen mistrust between communities.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in parts of Uttar Pradesh and the challenges of maintaining law and order while safeguarding constitutional rights. Advocacy groups are monitoring developments closely and have urged the state government to adopt transparent measures to prevent further escalation.
