Skip to main content

UP SHRC directs DM to act against hate campaign to divide Dalits and Muslims following NHRC direction

A "hate" tweet
By A Representative
In February 2018, fake news of forced conversion of Dalits in Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh began to circulate on social media. It emerged that this was a willful campaign on misinformation, designed to pit Dalits against Muslims. Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) complained to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The UP State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has now directed the District Magistrate to investigate and act on the complaint.
According to CJP, the rumours were worded in an inflammatory manner with the unambiguous objective to spark conflict between Dalits and Muslims who have hitherto coexisted in harmony.
First there were rumours that street signs were being changed as Gautam Nagar was being renamed Islam Nagar. A tweet openly alleged that 1500 Dalits lived in fear of conversion in Amroha.
Fake news about forced conversion of Dalits and the possibility of changing the name of the Gautam Nagar neighbourhood began spreading like wildfire at a time when UP was already on the boil in wake of the clashes in Kasganj. Gautam Nagar is a Dalit neighbourhood that has a 42 per cent concentration of Muslim population and the objective of this hate filled campaign was clearly to foment violence between the two marginalised groups.

Comments

TRENDING

Gharapuri's discoveries: India finds a maritime past, ASI an app

By Gajanan Khergamker  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has once again demonstrated an extraordinary talent for mistaking administrative housekeeping for institutional achievement. At the very moment excavations at Gharapuri are yielding evidence that could fundamentally reshape our understanding of India's maritime past, the institution has chosen to celebrate the rollout of QR-enabled audio guides and GPS-supported navigation at its monuments. The contrast could not be starker. 

Small Farm, big success: How an innovative couple built a model of sustainable farming

By Bharat Dogra  In Sema, a remote village in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, Bhagwati Lal and his wife Rekha share equal credit for creating a remarkable farm that has become an inspiration for villagers and visitors alike. Their achievement demonstrates how even a very small piece of land can provide a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods while enhancing climate resilience and protecting the environment.

What's behind Columbia's president-elect speaking out against continuing the country’s peace agenda

By Laura Violeta Devia López  There are just over three weeks left before Abelardo De La Espriella takes office as Colombia’s new president, despite the numerous allegations that cast a shadow over his election and, as usual, discredit the Colombian electoral system. The announcements already being made by Abelardo and his designated cabinet mark a significant change of course, not only for the Colombian people but also for the country’s place in the world.