• Press Release

Violence Fueled By Hate Speeches Needs Immediate Action By The Indian Government

February 25, 2020

Demonstrators form a human chain to protest against India's new citizenship law, in Kolkata on February 25, 2020, following clashes over the new citizenship law in New Delhi. - Ten people were killed and more than 130 injured in some of the worst sectarian violence in India's capital in years, as rioters went on the rampage in several parts of the city, setting fire to buildings and vehicles and attacking journalists. Protests against a contentious citizenship law descended on February 25 into running battles between Hindus and Muslims in New Delhi's northeast, with rioters armed with stones, swords and even guns going on the rampage. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP) (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Political leaders in India who are fuelling hatred and creating a violent environment by making hate speeches must be immediately held accountable, said Amnesty International India today.

“Eight people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the riots that broke out in the north-eastern part of New Delhi. These riots along with the earlier instances of violence that took place in Jamia Milia University and Jawaharlal Nehru University were preceded by the hateful speeches made by political leaders. From union ministers like Anurag Thakur to chief ministers like Yogi Adityanath, elected representatives have called for people to shoot down ‘traitors’ and take revenge. It is shocking that since December 2019, not even a single elected representative has been prosecuted for advocating hatred and violence.  In February 2020, a minister in Karnataka called for a law to be passed allowing police to shoot protesters at sight. It is the ongoing impunity that the political leaders enjoy which encourages them and other non-state actors to stoke more violence. This is evident when rioters post videos on social media saying ‘de di azaadi’ (we have given them freedom) after shooting at or assaulting those who oppose CAA and National Register of Citizens (NRC). A day before the riots in Delhi, a BJP leader, Kapil Mishra gave an ultimatum to the Delhi Police to vacate the site occupied by peaceful protesters in Jaffrabad.”

“There has been a deafening silence from the Prime Minister on the hate speeches made by the political leaders since December 2019. The Prime Minister must lead the way and unequivocally condemn them. A prompt, independent and impartial investigation into such speeches leading to ongoing and past violence is also needed. This prolonged impunity must end now,” said Avinash Kumar, Executive Director of Amnesty International India.

BACKGROUND:

On February 22, several peaceful protesters occupied a portion of the road near the Jaffrabad Metro station in the north-eastern part of New Delhi. These protesters were protesting against the CAA and NRC.

On February 23, BJP leader Kapil Mishra made provocative speeches and gave Delhi police a three-day ultimatum to remove the protesters in Jaffrabad.

On February 23 and 24, clashes broke out. More than seven people have been killed in the riots.