Amidst heavy police presence, a resounding call for justice echoed through the campus of Jamia Millia Islamia University on Monday as students from various states united under the “Mewati Student Union” banner in solidarity to denounce the recent outbreak of violence in Haryana’s Nuh district.
The protest, spearheaded by Mewati students, conveyed a demand for accountability and an end to the cycle of violence that has left the Nuh region in shambles.
Mubasshir, a Jamia student said: “The bulldozing of homes and shops must cease immediately. Displaced Mewati Muslims deserve rapid rehabilitation, fair compensation, and the restoration of their properties.”
He also said, “The lopsided investigation and arbitrary arrests of Muslim youths must be halted. Monu Manesar and Bittu Bajrangi’s provocations ignited this wave of violence, and the state’s involvement cannot be ignored. In the face of an unsafe Mewat, Mewati students at Jamia stand united, showing unwavering support for the victims of this heinous provocation.”
Kamil, a Jamia student pursuing BA program degree, said to Maktoob, “Students of Jamia, united under the Mewati Student Union banner, vehemently condemn the oppressive tactics that birthed violence and looting against the Mewati community. The immediate arrest of those responsible for the Mewat violence is a non-negotiable demand. The tragic events that unfolded were the result of hate-fueled politics, and those who orchestrated them must be held accountable.”
The violence which was broke out during a Hindu possession by Hindutva groups claimed at least six lives including two home guard and a Mosque imam. The shops and vehicles of Muslims were gutted down by Hindutva mob.
The authorities also demolished hundreds of houses, shops and other structures of Muslims in the district. The houses belonged to Muslim workers and the poor, and they were demolished on the same day notices were served. However, on Monday, the Punjab & Haryana High Court stayed the Haryana government’s demolition drive in Nuh.
“The issue also arises whether the buildings belonging to a particular community are being brought down under the guise of law and order problem and an exercise of ethnic cleansing is being conducted by the State,” said the division bench of Justice G.S Sandhawalia and Justice Harpreet Kaur Jeewan.
Aasma is a MA Mass Communications student, currently enrolled at AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia University, where she passionately explores the realm of meaningful photojournalism as a freelancer.
