Communists in Kerala are notorious for supporting divisive forces under the cloak of “human rights” or “freedom of expression.” Once again, the CPM Polit Bureau, the highest decision-making body of the Communist party, has openly backed UAPA-accused Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi Riots 2020 case.
On 3 September, the Polit Bureau deplored the Delhi High Court’s refusal to grant bail to Khalid, Imam and eight others. The party claimed the accused have been detained for over five years under the “draconian” UAPA for their alleged role in the “conspiracy” behind the February 2020 communal riots. It emphasised that this was the fifth bail rejection in five years, charges have not been framed, and the denial amounts to a travesty of justice, violating the principle that “bail is the rule, jail the exception.” The CPM also alleged that BJP men are being released while these “activists” continue to languish in jail.
However, the same CPM remains silent about the desecration of the Ashoka Pillars (Ashok Stambh) at Hazratbal Dargah in Kashmir by Islamic extremists, a silence that has triggered heavy cyber attacks. Netizens ask: are they not aware of the Hazratbal incident?
https://twitter.com/cpimspeak/status/1963188435977441475
The Delhi riots of February 24, 2020, erupted around protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA). Fifty-three people were killed, and more than 700 injured. Former JNU student leader Umar Khalid, arrested on 14 September 2020, was booked under UAPA for conspiring to incite riots in North-East Delhi. Both Khalid and Imam were prominent members of the so-called “Tukde Tukde Gang” of JNU, infamous for raising “Azadi” slogans in 2016. Investigations revealed their efforts to turn the anti-CAA protests into a full-fledged anti-national riot, coordinating violence via WhatsApp groups. The FIR against Khalid invoked UAPA sections 13, 16, 17 and 18, Arms Act provisions, and sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Courts had earlier noted conspiracies were discussed in meetings attended by Khalid.
Yet, CPM’s priorities remain clear. Its leaders raise their voice for Khalid and Imam, but stay quiet on attacks against national symbols. In Kerala, their police even register cases against an Onam Pookkalam merely for carrying the words “Operation Sindoor.”
The pattern is familiar. Communists have a long history of backing individuals and organisations that violate the law, later justifying their support in the name of “freedom of expression.” But this “freedom” is selective, extended mostly to divisive Islamic forces whenever the party finds an opportunity or excuse.
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