Dera violence: Punjab & Haryana HC slams state, centre governments
The Punjab and Haryana High Court called out the centre and the Haryana state government for their inability to control widespread violence following the verdict in the Ram Rahim Singh rape case. The Court even took a dig at PM Modi and stated that "He is the Prime Minister of not the BJP but of India." Read on to know what else the court said!
Ram Rahim verdict: Violence breaks out, 36 dead, curfew imposed
After Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted in a 2002 rape case, violence erupted across northern India. At least 36 people are dead and 270 injured. In Delhi, the Rewa Express was set on fire at Anand Vihar railway station. Buses were also set ablaze. Elsewhere, petrol pumps and vehicles were damaged. Journalists were attacked. Dera Sacha Sauda reportedly gave freshly-made bats to supporters.
Government faces blame for violence
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar has admitted to lapses in handling the riots; similar to last year's Jat agitations, the government ignored early-warning signs. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also failed to review the situation, despite having prior information. Critics also point to the fact that Ram Rahim played an important role in helping BJP win 2014 Haryana elections; this is why, perhaps, BJP is mum.
Punjab and Haryana High Court reprimands centre and state
Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain contended that violence had also taken place in other non-BJP ruled states; "Are we one nation or a party nation?", asked the court in response. When Jain further contended that the ongoing violence is strictly a state matter, the court asked, "Is Haryana not a part of India? Why are Punjab and Haryana treated like step children?"
What else did the court say?
Referring to the outbreak of violence after the Dera chief's conviction in 1999, the Court accused the Haryana government for 'letting Panchkula burn for political benefits'. The court also ordered the government to make arrangements to safely transport a Special Judge to the jail.
Latest updates on the situation
Punjab has stepped up security and imposed curfew in districts including Moga and Patiala after violent protests from Dera followers; police has also registered a case against followers for mischief. Section 144 has also been imposed in Nainital in Uttarakhand and Meerut, Ghaziabad and Noida in UP. PM Modi has further urged officials to do everything that can to help restore normalcy.
