Ram Navami, which celebrates the birth of the Hindu god Rama, is usually marked by prayer, fasting and feverish processions by fervent devotees. However, in recent years, the events of these joyous celebrations have been marred by riots, This year saw violence in Ram Navami processions in Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Maharashtra, while Odisha reported violence during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations. So what is at the root of this problem? There is an Indian habit of calling some mohallas ‘Muslim localities’.
Since these processions are at risk of communal violence, we must analyze and solve the problem in an honest and comprehensive manner, considering all points of view.
History of Communal Violence in India
We need to examine the available data to determine whether the violence during Ram Navami is a recent phenomenon. While academic research on the topic is limited, scholars Ashutosh Varshney and Steven Wilkinson provide a comprehensive database According to communal riots in India from 1950 to 1995 The Indian Express’ Analysis In this dataset, only nine out of 1,192 riots during this period were related to Ram Navami – less than 0.01 per cent of all riots. These nine upheavals were recorded in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Jharkhand saw one of the first major incidents of violence on the occasion of Ram Navami – in 1979, a clash in Jamshedpur claimed 116 lives. Therefore, we cannot say that these clashes are a recent phenomenon.
The pattern of the Ram Navami riots in India shows that the authorities have often refused to allow the procession to pass through Muslim-majority areas. this was it Prima facie in Jamshedpur in 1978, where the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had planned to Ram Navami procession from the tribal locality of Dimna Basti. However, the intended route of the procession passed through Sabirnagar, a Muslim area, due to which the authorities denied permission for the rally. The RSS did not accept the administration’s suggestion to avoid Sabirnagar and continued its campaign for permission for a year. The following year, the rally proceeded through Sabirnagar, and clashes broke out between Hindus and Muslims, resulting in death. 116 people, This year saw the city in Delhi 52 With a Ram Navami procession taken out by Hindu groups on March 30 In-spite of this police clearance denied
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Why are Muslim areas closed?
The RSS and a section of the majority use the argument that Hindus are denied the freedom to take out processions in their own country. But others argue that allowing these religious processions to pass through Muslim-majority areas would threaten the safety of the Muslim community and create insecurity and fear. They argue that labeling a particular locality or neighborhood as a “Muslim area” furthers communal divides and reinforces Hindu versus Muslim notions.
The root of the problem seems to lie in tribalism. RSS calling India “the land of Hindus” can be interpreted as promoting majoritarian supremacy, suggesting that the country belongs to Only To the Hindus But referring to areas with a Muslim population”Muslim areasAnd expecting Hindus not to take out processions there also adds to the problem. Muslims take out every year Tajiya Procession During Muharram, which passes peacefully through many localities.
Then the question arises why some areas are considered off limits for Hindu festivals while Muslims celebrate Islam publicly, be it by offering prayers or taking out religious processions.
Stakeholders must work together to prevent such recurrence of violence. This requires a multipronged approach by the government, civil society organisations, religious leaders and common citizens. The Center must take steps to maintain law and order and ensure that those responsible for inciting the violence are brought to justice. Hate speech and incitement to violence should have strict legal consequences. The government should also increase police presence in potentially volatile areas and improve socioeconomic conditions to address underlying grievances that may lead to violence.
Also, citizens have an important role to play in preventing violence during religious processions. They should refrain from indulging in activities that may create disturbances and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. They should also be prepared to engage in dialogue with people from different communities and promote a culture of mutual respect and understanding. The frequent disturbances during festivals like Ram Navami, celebrated in the spirit of unity and brotherhood, should worry everyone.
Amana Begum Ansari is a columnist and TV news panelist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amaana & Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Thoughts are personal.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)