Mazher Hussain: Reasons behind the communal clash in Hyderabad

Press Note
Riots in Hyderabad: Condemnation and Concerns
We the representatives of different religious faiths and social organisations strongly condemn the dastardly bout of violence let loose on the hapless residents of Saidabad and Madannapet areas of Hyderabad and are gravely saddened by the unfortunate loss of life, injuries and damage to property. Our heartfelt condolences and sympathies for the families of the deceased, injured and for those who have suffered loss of property.

At the outset we want to set the record straight by asserting that these should not be termed as communal riots between Hindus and Muslims but destructive violence instigated by vested groups to divert the agenda and attention of the people for specific political interests. Similar orgies of violence have been witnessed in the past in Hyderabad and other parts of the country perpetrated in the name of religion and devastating mostly the poor and innocent members of both communities.

Past two years have seen intense political turmoil in Andhra Pradesh on multiple fronts and have also witnessed a number of communal incidences not only in Hyderabad but in a number of other cities and towns including those that were not affected by such incidences in the past like Karimnagar, Jedcharala and Adoni etc. To think that all these incidences are pure fights between the Hindu and Muslim communities and are not linked to and resultants of political uncertainties and machinations would not only be a mistake but a danger to society and prevent the extraction of this recurring menace from its roots.

We call upon people to remember the recent riots of March- April 2010 in Hyderabad effectively used to sidetrack the peaking Telanga agitation and the most devastating riots of Hyderabad witnessed from September 1990 to January 1991 that led to the unseating of the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh- due to the unrelenting orchestrated violence passed off as communal riots between Hindus and Muslims that stopped abruptly and mysteriously the moment Dr. M. Chenna Reddy submitted his resignation.

We urge people, especially the youth, not to fall prey to rumours, instigations and machinations of vested political interests but direct all their efforts and resources to maintaining harmony and frustrating the nefarious designs of forces bent on creating communal divides with ulterior motives.

We also demand:
1. The government should take all steps to prevent recurrence of violence and bring back total normalcy and peace immediately
2. Institute Judicial Enquiry to ascertain and expose the culprits and forces behind all the incidences to instigate communal disturbances and riots in the State in the past two years
3. Institute a Special Investigation Team and establish Fast Track Courts to try and punish all those responsible directly and covertly
4. A compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs to all those killed, 2 lakhs to the injured and full and complete compensation within 3 months for all the property loss and damage.

Mazher Hussain Vithal Rao Bro. Verghese Jeevan Kumar
COVA Arya Samaj Montfort Brothers HRF

Qadir Zaman Omim Debara M. Mandal
Hum Sab Hindustani Parsi and Zoarashtrian Anjuman HSHT

Veda Kumar Ramakrishna Raju
Forum for Better Hyd NAPM