Victim, survivor families participate in commemoration ceremony marking 5 years of Delhi violence

By A Representative 

Karwan-e-Mohabbat hosted a solemn commemoration ceremony at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, marking five years since the tragic events of February 2020 in Delhi. The gathering included survivors and victim families, seeking justice and accountability for the violence.
John Dayal, a key member of Karwan-e-Mohabbat, opened the event by addressing the broader struggle for justice in India. He highlighted how delays in cases from Meerut and Moradabad, alongside the recent sentencing of Sajjan Kumar, reflect systemic issues. Dayal criticized the government’s withdrawal of FCRA permissions from organizations assisting survivors, further complicating their fight for justice.
A screening of Mazhab Nahi Sikhata, a short film by Karwan-e-Mohabbat, reinforced the message of communal harmony. The poem in the film reminded attendees that no religion teaches hatred, portraying an inclusive vision of unity.
Activist Harsh Mander underscored the deep divisions in Indian society, lamenting the government’s inadequate response compared to the Gujarat 2002 riots. “We want to say to those who have gathered here that we stand with you in your pain,” he stated. The event featured a moving tribute to victims, with the names of those lost in the 2020 violence read aloud to a silent and grieving audience.
Survivors shared firsthand accounts of their traumatic experiences. One described his agonizing struggle to retrieve his brother’s remains from authorities, while another spoke about being given a compensation check with the wrong name and no clear path for correction. Attendees were deeply affected by testimonies of police and hospital staff mistreating victims.
The event also featured a discussion on Uncertain Justice: Citizens’ Committee Report, prepared by the Constitutional Conduct Group. In a tribute to its late coordinator Sunder Burra, Deb Mukharji defended the report against government criticism, arguing that it serves as crucial historical documentation. Gopal Pillai and Ashok Sharma presented the report’s findings, condemning the failures of the Central Government, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Delhi Police. Pillai criticized the police for fabricating evidence and wrongfully imprisoning at least 18 innocent Muslims under UAPA charges. Sharma highlighted how figures like Kapil Mishra and Anurag Thakur, who incited violence, have escaped legal consequences while securing political positions.
Further testimony from Nadeem Khan detailed how authorities ignored repeated complaints and even assaulted hospital staff and volunteers aiding victims. He pointed out that, for the first time in India’s history, communal violence cases have seen no successful prosecutions. Journalist Qurban Ali described how his own efforts to file a hate speech petition led to an FIR against him, illustrating the government’s systemic bias.
Karwan-e-Mohabbat also released The Absent State: Comprehensive State Denial of Reparation & Recompense to the Survivors of the 2020 Delhi Pogroms, exposing the government’s failure in relief, rehabilitation, and compensation. Nearly five years later, most victims have received little to no aid beyond initial ex gratia payments.
Suroor Mander detailed the systemic failure of the Delhi government, SDM, and NEDRCC in processing compensation claims. Akanksha Rao highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the bureaucratic process, leaving many claims unresolved. Mahenaz Khan and Tarannum spoke about the ongoing difficulties faced by survivors, including disruptions in education and healthcare. Gufran shared how inadequate medical facilities during the riots led to preventable deaths and injuries, with no official relief for victims’ medical expenses. Dilshad recounted the harassment faced by victims in compensation offices, where officials deliberately obstructed their claims.
The discussion concluded with remarks from Salman Khurshid, who commended Karwan-e-Mohabbat’s efforts while condemning the government’s failure to support victims. He stressed the need for participatory democracy and justice for those affected by the riots.
Navsharan Singh addressed the state’s attempt to frame criticism of the violence as defamation of the majority community. She emphasized that the true issue is a country where only the oppressed are expected to fight their oppression. Zoya Hasan and Rahul Mukherji analyzed the political failures that led to the 2020 violence, pointing out that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed without consultation, leading to mass mobilization among Indian Muslims. Mukherji called for a renewed commitment to secularism.
A BBC documentary, Delhi Dangon Ke Mamlon Mein Bari Kyong Ho Rahe Hain Log, was screened, shedding light on judicial failures. Reports revealed that over 80% of riot cases were flawed, leading to mass dismissals. Judge Vinod Yadav criticized investigative agencies for deliberately failing in their duties.
Legal experts Prashant Bhushan and Chander Uday Singh discussed how the judicial system has been manipulated by the ruling BJP government. Bhushan highlighted how favorable rulings lead to political appointments, while independent judges face intimidation. Singh stressed that documented cases of evidence tampering should prompt national outrage and legal action against compromised officials.
The event concluded with a call for continued efforts to seek justice, hold officials accountable, and support survivors in their struggle for recognition and reparations.