Sambhal Shift

 

THE arrest of Shahi Jama Masjid committee chief Mr. Zafar Ali over his alleged connection with violence in Sambhal last year during the court-ordered survey of the mosque is one more stern message that those encouraging violence shall not be spared. A series of actions that has begun not only in Sambhal but also across the country indicate a shift in the attitude and approach of the administration, political class, and also the people in general. This shift is in favour of harmonious co-existence without fear or favour. Over the past few months, Sambhal has emerged as a symbol of a change in psychological climate of the country.

 

Many view this in negative light. But, there is a vast majority, which believes that this change will pave the way for peaceful growth of India towards becoming a developed as well as a truly liberal nation. That the Sambhal mosque survey was resisted by a mob reflects denial of space for court-ordered investigation. That, Sambhal saw riots, reflects that miscreants do not recognise the principles of peaceful co-existence and lawful social living. That, Hindus in Sambhal were unable to celebrate ‘Holi’ festival for decades because of ‘warnings’ from unnamed elements reflects suppression of one community. That, Sambhal was unable to attract major investments due to atmosphere of fear reflects how hatred affected economic well-being of all the residents.

 

However, since the last year’s violence, owing to the resolute action taken by the administration and the political leadership of Uttar Pradesh (UP), a major shift has taken place. Hence, when it came to celebration of ‘Holi’ by Hindus and offering of Friday ‘Namaaz’ by Muslims the same day, the police and the UP Chief Minister Mr. Yogi Adityanath gave a clear message -- there exists peaceful space for both. This is a major shift. The Hindus celebrated ‘Holi’ at a temple that was closed down since riots in 1978. The Muslims also offered prayers. After decades, both the communities realised that certain radical elements had misguided them all these years that there could be no space for accommodating each other. This is an important milestone, so to say. As a result, across the country, a new wave of understanding is emerging. Stern action is being taken against rioters. If a few miscreants from a community are seen getting engaged in riots, the educated and rational constituents of that community are distancing themselves from the miscreants. In fact, at many places, the peace-loving rational individuals are helping the police nab the culprits. Even within the police and civil administration, a healthy internal discourse is emerging on need for getting rid of fear of taking action against anyone engaged in violence, arson, rioting instead of seeking legal and democratic recourse.

 

The days of appeasement are over in the collective psycho-social thought process. People are thinking of co-existence rather than dominating others through fear. People moving beyond apprehensions, speaking in favour of fearless action, is a good thing to happen. In a functional democracy like India, there exists a space for legal and democratic debate as well as interventions, but definitely not for rioting, arson, and violence. Mobocracy is an anathema to democracy. India is treading a path to becoming a developed nation. Unilateral imposition of values does not serve any good when it comes to harmony. This new understanding is emerging with the shedding of historic burden of fear. Hindus or Muslims or others have a vast majority of apolitical people who wish to lead a peaceful and secure life. The realisation of the need for creating a space for co-existence is the welcome shift originating from Sambhal.