Congress MLA Sounds Alarm Over Communal Violence in Uttarakhand
Congress MLA from Manglaur, Qazi Nizamuddin, has formally written to Uttarakhand's Director General of Police, expressing deep concern about what he describes as a disturbing pattern of assaults and incidents targeting members of the minority community along communal lines.
Letter Highlights Threats to Social Harmony
In his detailed letter to the state's top police official, the legislator emphasized that such incidents run counter to the interests of Uttarakhand, where diverse communities have traditionally coexisted in peace and harmony. Nizamuddin specifically referenced two recent troubling events that have raised serious concerns about communal tensions in the region.
The first incident occurred in Haridwar on the night of February 22 at a roadside eatery. According to reports, approximately six individuals allegedly assaulted truck driver Firoz Alam while he was resting in his parked vehicle, raising questions about the motivation behind the attack.
The second incident took place in Rudrapur just two days later, where construction worker Mohammad Shahid claimed he was pushed and beaten with sticks by field owner Arvind Sharma for offering namaz at the location. Both incidents appear to have religious undertones that have alarmed community leaders and officials.
Constitutional Values and Social Fabric at Risk
"These incidents not only pose a serious challenge to law and order but also adversely affect social harmony, mutual trust and constitutional values in the state," Nizamuddin wrote in his letter, which he also shared on his official social media accounts to amplify his concerns.
The MLA elaborated on his worries by noting that Uttarakhand is widely known as "Devbhoomi" - the land of gods - home to numerous highly revered religious shrines that attract pilgrims from across the country and beyond. "The presence of such sacred sites reflects the strong social fabric of our state," he explained in comments to media outlets.
Nizamuddin argued that targeting individuals and assaulting them based on religious identity represents a shameful development that damages the state's reputation and undermines the very foundations of communal coexistence that have characterized Uttarakhand for generations.
Calls for Immediate Action and Prevention
In his communication with the DGP, the Congress legislator reiterated his demand for strict legal action against those involved in these alleged assaults. He emphasized the need for effective preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur, warning that failure to address these concerns promptly could lead to further deterioration of inter-community relations.
The MLA's intervention comes at a sensitive time when maintaining social harmony has become increasingly important across various regions of the country. His letter represents a formal attempt to bring these concerning developments to the attention of law enforcement authorities with jurisdiction over such matters.
By sharing the letter on his social media platforms, Nizamuddin has ensured that his concerns reach a wider audience beyond official channels, potentially increasing pressure on authorities to investigate these incidents thoroughly and take appropriate corrective measures.
