New Delhi: The Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG), a collective of former civil servants, has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging immediate intervention to halt the upcoming mahapanchayat scheduled for November 4 in Uttarkashi, as well as a proposed dharma sansad in December 2024. The group raised concerns about rising communal tensions and alleged impunity granted to those promoting hate.
In a letter signed by 79 retired bureaucrats, the group expressed alarm over the increasing communal hostility in several states, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
According to CCG, “Elements that sustain themselves ideologically on the politics of hate, exclusion, and division” are increasingly active in these regions. The group warned that Uttarakhand has witnessed a “systematic attempt to inject communal poison” with efforts to shift its traditionally pluralistic nature toward a more divisive narrative, instilling fear in minority communities.
CCG outlined disturbing recent incidents in Uttarakhand, noting an escalation in hate speech and violent actions since August 2024 across various towns, including Dehradun, Haldwani, and Uttarkashi. Properties were damaged, and minority families forced to flee or faced business bans imposed by certain organisations. The group identified specific organisations and individuals linked to these incidents, many of whom were involved in the controversial 2021 dharma sansad in Haridwar that sparked outrage for its calls for violence against Indian Muslims.
The letter also highlighted how calls for events like the November 4 mahapanchayat are used to incite violence, calling for economic boycotts and expulsion of Muslim residents. The CCG noted that, in most cases, perpetrators involved in hate speech and violence have not been detained, with even those arrested often being quickly released on bail. Yati Narsinghanand, a repeat offender associated with past dharma sansad events, has continued to violate bail conditions without consequence.
The group recounted a specific incident on September 27, 2024, in Dehradun, where the police detained a well-known instigator involved in a communal clash. However, after his release, his supporters blocked roads, called for a market shutdown, and celebrated his return, further intensifying communal tensions.
Meanwhile, over 50 women and civil society organisations from 18 states sent a letter to the Uttarakhand Governor on September 19, 2024, raising concerns about rising violence and discrimination. They cited instances where minority community members were blamed for crimes while influential individuals aligned with the ruling party were allegedly shielded from justice.
CCG acknowledged the efforts of a few district officials and police officers who have acted to prevent larger-scale violence. However, the group noted that such actions were sporadic and insufficient to counter the larger atmosphere of communal tension.
The letter concluded with a warning that if the government does not act, Uttarakhand could spiral into widespread violence with potential national security implications. The group urged the Home Minister to Instruct the Uttarakhand police to cancel bail for individuals who violate bail conditions, particularly for figures like Narsinghanand, Consider applying NSA to individuals inciting public disorder, and Mandate strict enforcement of laws against hate speech and violence, in alignment with SC directives and constitutional values.
