Days after releasing a list of Hindu migrants who fled from the Kairana region of Uttar Pradesh due to fear of criminals from a particular community, BJP MP Hukum Singh released a similar list of 63 families from Kondhla region on Tuesday.
However, Singh backtracked on his earlier statement by saying that the incident was “not communal” but a law and order situation.
It is not about communal incidents. It is not about Hindus or Muslims. The list (of those who had to flee) will go on further, I believe. It can go up to 400-500. There is not one accused (who forced people to migrate), they are here in dozens.
Migrants are Hindu, But Not On Paper Anymore
Unlike the first Kairana list, which included “Hindu” in its title, the new list does not make that reference, reports The Indian Express. Verbally however, Singh maintains that the families in both lists are Hindu.
When questioned about the number of Muslim families who left the regions, he said:
These Hindu families have left under duress. Others have gone for their (own) purposes.
Seeking the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, BJP’s state unit chief Keshav Maurya said:
Tomorrow [Wednesday], a seven-member committee set up as per directions of party president Amit Shah will leave for the affected town to take stock of the situation there. The committee will be led by our legislature party leader in the state assembly Suresh Khanna.
Misleading Kairana List
The UP police and media houses had reported that the people named in the previous list had left mostly for better opportunities.
According to the Kairana list submitted by the UP police, of the people named in the list:
- 5 are dead
- 12 are still living there
- 46 have moved out since 2011
- 55 moved out at least 6-11 years ago
Shamli District Magistrate Sujeet Kumar has ruled out any communal or law and order issues behind some people leaving Kairana. He said:
Till now, we have not found any case where there has been a law and order problem. There is no communal activity, the Karaina town has always been peaceful. During Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, the area remained peaceful, and even during Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013, people here [Kairana] sent a strong message of brotherhood.
It Boils Down to BJP Vs SP
Hukum Singh’s claim comes after the top brass of BJP raised the issue in the National Executive meeting in Allahabad, on 13 and 14 June, in an attack on the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP). The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had also issued notice to the state government over the mass migration.
One of the strongest Assemblies in the country, 293-seat strong Uttar Pradesh will go to vote along with Goa, Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Punjab.
Also Read: BJP on SP Offensive: Kairana, Mathura Violence Weapons of Choice
(With PTI inputs)
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