Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly criticised the onslaught on peaceful believers of Sanatan Dharma that occurred in Nuh-Mewat, Haryana. When this violent attack by the Muslim mob took place, VHP’s Joint General Secretary, Surendra Jain, was present at the location and was addressing the yatra. Organiser Sub-Editor Yatharth Sikka had an exclusive interaction with him on VHP’s future course of action and the prevailing situation. Excerpts:
You and your family were also present during the yatra when it was attacked. What actually happened in Mewat and what led to the attack?
What happened in Haryana’s Nuh is distressing. Every year in the sacred month of Shravan, Hindus reach Nuh to visit the five holy temples of Bhagwan Shiva, built during the Mahabharata period. This year, too, 20,000 to 25, 000 Hindus assembled in Mewat to visit the temples. However, the procession was bombarded with stones, and the pilgrims were attacked with sticks and sharp weapons by the Muslim mob. Some threw petrol bombs at us; it was very difficult to get out of it. But somehow, we managed to seek refuge at the Nalhar Temple. It was a plan to orchestrate genocide on the Hindu society. There was nothing wrong in the slogans raised by the people who assembled there. There was not even a single word in the speech of the Speaker which could incite such type of violence.
“It was a plan to orchestrate genocide on the Hindu society. There was nothing wrong in the slogans raised by the people who assembled there. There was not even a single word in the speech of the Speaker which could incite such type of violence”
It is alleged that the attack on yatra was pre-planned, and police also had inputs about the violence; Do you think it is an intelligence failure?
Definitely, it is (an intelligence failure). It was a pre-planned conspiracy to kill the pilgrims, and it is unthinkable. It cannot be done in one day alone. They were well-equipped with guns, swords and sticks. Stones came from one side, and bullets were fired from the other. Some threw petrol bombs at us; it was very difficult to get out of it. The entire Mewat was strangled. It was put on hold by the jihadis. Mewat is now a hub for terror activities, cow smuggling, forced conversions, cybercrime and whatnot. It is like a mini-Pakistan now.
Who do you think is behind this conspiracy?
The ‘Jihadi Mentality is coming on the way. When they wage jihad. Hindus cannot be allowed to live, and outsiders cannot be allowed to come here. This was the warning given by Congress MLA from Ferozepur Jhirka, Mamman Khan. In the Assembly, four months ago, Khan said that if anyone dares, he should come to Mewat and show himself (how to crush Hindus). Another Congress MLA, Aftab Ahmed from Nuh, threatened the police, stating that they would be chopped if they dared to enter the villages of Mewat. I believe these warnings are sufficient to understand who is behind this conspiracy.
“The entire Mewat region should be sealed off for the combing operations, and each jihadi should be apprehended and given strict punishments. Government should effectively stop the anti-national activities prevailing in the area”
What is the present situation in Mewat? What action is the VHP taking to safeguard the lives of Hindus?
I believe the situation is now under control. The culprits are being tackled. They are being arrested, as far as I know. The remaining yatra will also be completed, as far as our side is concerned. Mahapanchayats will be convened to decide the future course of action.
What are your demands to the Union Government?
First, the case should be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The entire Mewat region should be sealed off for the combing operations, and each jihadi should be apprehended and given strict punishments. Government should effectively stop the anti-national activities prevailing in Mewat. The Central Security Force and Army battalion should be deployed in Mewat as soon as possible. We urge for the prompt formation of a Board to oversee the temples and remove illegal encroachments. We also demand compensation of Rs 1 crore to the kin of each of the deceased and Rs 20 lakh each to the injured.
