Madhya Pradesh's Home Minister Blames Muslims for Ram Navami Riots
Written byTimes Magazine
Clashes in Madhya Pradesh Ram Nawami: "When Muslims carry out such attacks, they should not expect justice," Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narott Mishra told NDTV, blaming the community for the unrest.
In escalating tensions over clashes during the Ram Nawami march in Kargone in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, the Interior Minister today accused Muslims of violence and unrest. He also defended a move widely criticized by the state government to demolish the homes of people suspected of throwing stones at a procession to celebrate the birth of the Hindu god Ram.
"When Muslims carry out such attacks, they should not expect justice," Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narott Mishra told NDTV, blaming the public for the unrest.
He also said that Congress leader and former Prime Minister Digwijaya Singh would be targeted.
The state government took action against "rebels and intruders."
On Sunday, clashes erupted in Hargon, Madhya Pradesh as the Muslim Nawami march passed through the predominantly Muslim city.
According to police, the stones were thrown into the procession after an argument due to loud music playing from loudspeakers. Police fired tear gas to control the situation.
Many police officers, including Police Commissioner Siddhart Chaudhary, were injured. In addition, four houses were burned, and a temple was destroyed.
"94 people were arrested. SP (Kapolsek)'s shot better now. The ventilated boys are also better than before," Mishra said.
Prime Minister Shivraj Singh Chuhan has ordered the demolition of "illegal structures" belonging to those involved in the stone-throwing. Bulldozers were used to destroy about 45 homes and businesses. Some 16 houses and 29 shops were demolished on Monday.
Several opposition parties protested what they called the use of bulldozers against the public. In neighboring Uttar Pradesh, Chairman Yogi Aditianat was hailed as the "grandmother of bulldozers" in the recent BJP election campaign. Madhya Pradesh is voting next year.
Asked why the government is cracking down on those accused of violence without due process, Mishra said: "Those on camera throwing stones are not just accusations. We are following the legal process and will be detained," the minister said.
Of the house demolitions targeting entire families, even if only one member is accused of throwing stones, the minister said: "The victims also have families. So why didn't they think before doing what they did with the guns?"
Mr. Mishra defended the demolition, saying action would only be taken if the property was found to be illegal.
"What everyone says in their defense is different. The main thing is who attacks."
The minister asked that the Madhya Pradesh government be accused of benefiting society. "If anyone provokes riots in Madhya Pradesh, they will be crushed," Mishra said.
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