Towards peace and justice for all

Peace activists vowed to build a wider alliance with writers, academics and campaigners from different states at a seminar on ‘Assault on Secular Democracy in Contemporary India’ organised by ActionAid and its partners for the India Social Forum. This would help them share information on struggles and successes.

But it is not only practical support that participants gained. As Zakia Jowher, leader of ActionAid’s work on Peace, Justice and Minority Rights explains, “Working on the ground we need to know that we are not alone in our efforts – these round tables really help to motivate. We are going home with renewed energy.” 

Gujarat needs healing

Participants were particularly interested in Gujarat – what the situation is almost five years on from the bloody riots of 2002, how civil society is collaborating and what the possibilities are for change. 

Sadly, divisive politics continues, say peace activists. Chief Minister Narendra Modi who was responsible at the time of the massacres is still firmly in place and there are no state efforts for rehabilitation, social healing or justice. 
“No doubt Narendra Modi is losing ground in the state but he has not lost enough to lose [an] election. The only way to ensure this would be to remove him democratically,'' says Harshvardhan Hegde, social rights activist from Gujarat. 

He feels Modi has fallen short on all fronts, including bringing in investment. 

While revealing that everything had changed for Muslims in Gujarat after the riots, Zakia Jowher said the people of this community are now primarily known for their religion and not as individuals. 

“How is it that over 2,000 people killed in the riots were Muslims and the 220 people proclaimed as ‘terrorists’ by the government for their role in the riots too happen to be Muslims,” Zakia demands to know. “Almost 35,000 riot-affected people have still not been able to return to their villages, nor have they been given any compensation or rehabilitation,” she adds.

Huge attendance at the seminar

Before the ISF, Zakia had concerns that as issues being raised events she helped to organise were not widely spoken about in government committees and mainstream media, few would attend. But she and other activists were pleasantly surprised.

The various seminars on peace, justice and minority rights were hugely attended, and people took part enthusiastically. Indian Diaspora came from as far as France and USA. There was even a senior member of the police who has been working for human rights.

“We are happy that many people want to hear not only about the problems but what we are trying to do,” states Noorjehan, a 35 year old woman from Ahmedabad who works full time as a peace volunteer. “It gives us strength to see that so many people care.”

Speakers at the seminar were a mix of internationally known members of the peace movement and grassroots activists from Rajasthan, Kashmir and Gujarat.

Acts like AFSPA or POTA are dangerous

“There is a need to critically look at the role of institutions such as the Indian Army,” says Professor Akoijam Bimol of the Centre for Studies of Developing Societies as he put the spotlight on the North Eastern state of Manipur.

“There is a recommendation in the Armed Forces Special Powers Act to use four of its clauses to deal with communal riots anywhere in the country. This slow militarization is hazardous,'' Bimol says. 

Kashmiri Member of Parliament, Yusuf Tarigami joined the call for democratic rights. 

Afreen from Ahmedabad, Gujarat made everyone cry but also inspired hope. She came with her small children and narrated her story: “My husband was picked up by the police for questioning and he never came back. After three months I was informed that he is a terrorist under POTA.” Prevention of Terrorism Act or POTA was a draconian law under which people were held without charge. 

“What have I done, what have my children done to deserve this? I don’t have any formal education and I have no way to support my children,” says Afreen. 

“The state is responsible for the deaths of so many. How come politicians seem to get away with mass murder but innocent families like us are harassed.”

Afreen feels being part of Aman Samudaya has given her strength to live and continue the fight for justice. Aman Samudaya is a ‘peace community’ set up with ActionAid’s support in 2002 after the Gujarat riots.

Cultural message

A big crowd puller was the hard-hitting play ‘Hatyaare’ staged by Sabir Ali and his cultural action group ‘Souhard’ from Rajasthan.

“It showed how political leaders and vested interests in Rajasthan try to disrupt peace, incite communities against each other and spark riots by spreading rumours, burning properties belonging to people from certain religions, and committing murder on the streets,” explains Zakia.

The popular Kabir Concert also carried strong messages of peace and harmony. People of all ages joined the celebration of cultural expression with musicians across India.