UP CM Slams Opposition for Ignoring Violence Against Hindus in Sambhal

On Monday, during the winter session of the assembly, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogiityanath addressed incidents of violence in Shal, emphasizing that the truth, likened to the sun and moon, cannot remain concealed. He committed to ensuring that those attempting to disrupt peace and harmony would face consequences. Highlighting the situation, Adityanath criticized the opposition for neglecting violence aimed at Hindus in Sambhal, accusing them of selective outrage.

Adityanath presented statistics to refute claims of widespread communal unrest, pointing out a significant reduction in such incidents under his leadership. He referenced National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data showing a drastic decrease in communal riots by 97 to 99 percent from 2017 onwards. This contrasted sharply with previous years; between 2012 and 2017, the state witnessed 815 communal riots resulting in 192 fatalities, and from 2007 to 2011, there were 616 incidents with 121 deaths. The Chief Minister argued this improvement demonstrated his administration's effectiveness in maintaining peace.

Further defending the cultural expressions of Uttar Pradesh's citizens, Chief Minister Adityanath questioned the politicization of the greeting "Jai Shri Ram," a common phrase in the region's vernacular. He underscored the innocence of this greeting, which has been traditionally used in daily interactions. His comments aimed to challenge the notion that such expressions have divisive intentions.

Adityanath also recounted the history of communal violence in Sambhal, tracing conflicts back to 1947. He detailed a series of violent incidents leading up to the present, highlighting the significant loss of Hindu lives over the decades. His recounting included the killing of 184 Hindus in 1978, a tragedy that preceded extended periods of curfew and further unrest into the 1980s and 1990s. The Chief Minister accused opposition parties of silence over these past injustices, contrasting it with their current criticism.

The Chief Minister's speech was a direct response to opposition allegations regarding the handling of recent violence in Sambhal and Bahraich. He accused opposition leaders of speaking from a place of self-interest rather than fact, emphasizing the state's improved security situation under his government. "According to the NCRB data, from 2017 till now, there has been a decrease of 97 to 99 per cent in communal riots in the state, this has been witnessed in the reports. What do you actually call a riot, that has not happened in the state since 2017. Let me tell you about the data in the past tenure, according to NCRB data between 2012 and 2017, 815 communal riots took place in the state and 192 people were killed in these riots. Before that, between 2007 and 2011, 616 such communal incidents took place in which 121 people were killed," he stated.

He also offered insights into the specific triggers of the Sambhal violence, citing inflammatory speeches around Friday prayers on November 23 as the catalyst. Adityanath announced plans for a judicial commission to investigate, promising that the full truth would emerge. He further lamented opposition efforts to inflame religious tensions, positioning his administration as a bulwark against communal strife.