– Raheem Khan
Jaipur: A joint delegation comprising representatives from various organizations visited Jahazpur on Wednesday to meet with local authorities and assess the aftermath of the recent communal violence.
The delegation expressed deep concern over what they described as a one-sided response by the administration and urged for the swift release of innocent individuals, alongside strict action against the real perpetrators. Shahpura Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Sunil Punia, when approached by the delegation, stated that he was not fully aware of the incident but assured them that any legal action taken would be just and impartial. Furthermore, a team has been assigned to survey the damage caused to local shops, with efforts to secure compensation for the affected traders based on the findings.
The communal tension, which broke out during a religious procession in Jahazpur on September 14, escalated into violence. Local residents informed the delegation that this year’s procession, which traditionally involved only around 15 participants, unexpectedly swelled to a crowd of 700-800 people carrying sticks and chanting provocative slogans outside the mosque – something they claim was unprecedented and appeared premeditated.
The situation escalated quickly after the inflammatory slogans were raised, leading to stone-pelting and clashes between communities. Following the violence, local BJP MLA Gopichand Meena visited the site and labeled the mosque “illegal,” demanding its demolition. Shortly thereafter, the administration issued a 24-hour notice to verify the mosque’s documents.
In a shocking development, just hours after the violence, local authorities demolished about 70-80 shops owned by Muslims. Traders recounted that their shops were first looted before being bulldozed, with many later set on fire. They further alleged that the demolition was carried out not by the municipality, but by private bulldozers under orders from MLA Meena. The affected shopkeepers, many of whom had started their businesses on loans, are now facing complete ruin.
Residents of the area also claimed that the violence was incited by outsiders brought in to disrupt local peace, leaving the innocent victims to bear the brunt. The delegation’s report highlighted the concerns raised by the community about the administration’s one-sided actions, which targeted innocent Muslims while failing to take concrete steps against the instigators of the violence.
The delegation also pointed out that the role of MLA Meena had been instrumental in heightening tensions and inciting violence. They called for the administration to conduct an impartial investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and compensate the victims for their losses.
The delegation concluded their visit by meeting with officials at the Shahpura District Collector’s Office to advocate for justice and appropriate compensation for the affected traders.
The delegation included notable leaders such as Mohammad Nazimuddin, General Secretary of the Rajasthan Muslim Forum and President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Rajasthan; Sawai Singh, President of FDCA Rajasthan and Rajasthan Samagra Seva Sangh; Advocate Syed Saadat Ali, President of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) Rajasthan; Hafiz Manzoor, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind; Mohan Lal Bairwa, Member of National Core Committee of Azad Samaj Party and Senior Vice President of Dalit Muslim Ekta Manch, etc.
The delegation emphasized that only an unbiased and fair approach will restore trust and peace in the region.
