UP: Notice to event organisers for hate speech against Muslims

AGRA: After some speakers allegedly made derogatory remarks against the minority community at a ‘Sant Samagam’ (religious event) on Sunday, the Aligarh district administration issued a show cause notice to the organisers on Monday seeking a reply within 24 hours. On Tuesday evening, the organisers, in their response, claimed that no rules were violated at the event.
According to the notice issued by the additional city magistrate (first) Kunwar Bahadur Singh, swords were brandished at the event despite a ban on carrying weapons and there were reports that comments were being made against a religious minority to incite sentiments. The organisers violated the terms of the permission granted for food distribution, recitation of ‘Sundar Kand’ and ceremony for priests only, the notice said.
Ashok Kumar, who was issued the notice, claimed that no provocative speeches were delivered during the event and that saints had focused only on publicity and dissemination of Sanatan dharma. The sword was symbolic and it, along with the Bhagavad Gita, was presented to saints in presence of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Member of the Legislative Assembly, Kumar claimed. He urged the administration to cancel the notice as, according to him, no rules were violated at the event.
Sanatan Hindu Seva Sansthan organised the event in Aligarh’s Ram Leela ground. It was attended by Yati Narsinghanand and Kalicharan Maharaj, who are facing criminal cases for hate speeches. At the event, Kalicharan said “the country is facing a major threat due to the growing population of Muslims”. The only way to address the problems posed by “jihadi elements” is to establish a Hindu nation, he said, urging people to vote on religious lines for building a ‘Hindu rashtra’.