A delegation comprising Fawaz Shaheen (National Secretary, SIO), Nadeem Khan (National Secretary, Association for Protection of Civil Rights) and Asif Mujtaba (Director, Miles2Smile Foundation) and other social activists visited Khargone and Sendhwa districts in Madhya Pradesh in the last few days. 

Both these cities saw large-scale anti-Muslim hate speeches, provocation and violence during Ram Navami processions, followed by the district administration’s absolutely arbitrary and discriminatory demolition of several properties of Muslims. All of it was done without any legal process or justification. 

The delegation met several survivors of the violence, people whose properties were illegally demolished and community leaders in an attempt to strengthen local legal aid systems and organise immediate relief for the worst affected families. APCR has also filed petitions in the Supreme Court and High Court on behalf of several people whose properties were illegally demolished. 

Despite the deep impact of the violence and the administration’s blatant actions, it was heartening to see the bravery and strength of these survivors and the local community. Many of them told the delegation how they continue to have faith in God and the primacy of justice, and were prepared for the long fight to secure their rights.