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An Account of Fear & Impunity - A Preliminary Fact Finding Report on Communally-Targeted Violence in NE Delhi, February 2020 https://thepolisproject.com/an-account-of-fear-impunity-a-preliminary-fact-finding-report-on-communally-targeted-violence-in-ne-delhi-february-2020/#.XvFykfS7Jfw.twitter via @project_polis
Key findings
Violent consequences of communal propaganda –
The violence in North-East Delhi is not a standalone incident. It is the result of a series of communal propaganda which has instigated attacks on the Muslim community.
Violent consequences of communal propaganda – The violence in North-East Delhi is not a standalone incident. It is the result of a series of communal propaganda which has instigated attacks on the Muslim community.
This propaganda has been spread through provocative speeches at local as well as national level. The role of mainstream media has been critical in manufacturing bigotry and hatred against Muslims.
While the violence was at its peak from 23 February until 26 February 2020 incidents of individual attacks have also taken place even after this period.
Organised and targeted violence against Muslims – There is compelling evidence suggesting the intentional and pre-planned targeting of the persons, property and religious places of worship, belonging to the Muslim community residing in the violence-affected areas.
Victims have been asked their religion before they were attacked. Testimonials and first-hand evidence point towards Muslim-owned businesses, shops and mosques being looted or burnt down in the violence while adjacent Hindu-owned shops and temples were not touched.
Violent threat to Muslim religious identity – The testimonies of the victims highlight the acts of violence committed by the perpetrators that include religious and bigoted slurs, abuses, slogans, attacks on the religious symbols and places of worship.
The affected community looks at this incident not only as an attack on their lives and property but also on their religious beliefs and dignity. Eye-witness accounts have testified to mob chanting “Jai Shree Ram” (glory to Lord Ram) and “Jai Siya Ram”.
On the other hand, the victims/survivors shared that they had to hide their religious identity to save themselves.
Hate Crimes – The acts of violence committed by the Hindu right-wing mob, Delhi Police & certain sections of the Indian media were clearly motivated by bias & hate towards the Muslim community & thereby constitute as hate crimes.
The ‘Blood Drain’, a perfect cover – An open drain that runs across most of the affected area has been used by the perpetrators to dump the bodies and severed body parts.
While many bodies have already been retrieved from this drain, the community suspects many more will be retrieved when this drain is dredged.
Impunity of the perpetrators – The perpetrators have carried out their actions with a significant amount of impunity and have continued to enjoy the same.
Partisan Role of the Delhi Police – The testimonies of multiple victims point towards the partisan role played by the Delhi Police during the violence.
The allegations include inter alia omission in fulfilling their constitutional duties of maintaining law and order, facilitation and collusion with the Hindu right-wing mob, active participation in assault, murder and arson and destruction of religious places of worship.
