The Violence that Shattered Homes
Haryana witnessed a horrific spate of communal violence on July 31, 2023, when a Hindu religious procession turned into a violent confrontation between Hindus and Muslims in Haryana’s Nuh district. The violence was reportedly instigated by a cow vigilante Monu Manesar, who posted a video inciting hatred against Muslims. The violence also spread to the nearby city of Gurugram, where more Muslim properties were targeted. The state government, led by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), failed to prevent or control the situation. The government instead resorted to demolishing Muslim homes and businesses under the pretext of removing illegal encroachments. An investigation by India Today into the clashes uncovered intelligence oversights and anger against Monu Manesar, as key factors contributing to the violence which was reportedly triggered by a video posted by him. Cow vigilante Manesar is also wanted by the police for an earlier day-light murder of two Muslim men, Nasir and Junaid. The video, which was circulated on social media, showed Monu Manesar threatening to host a Brajmandal Yatra, an annual pilgrimage organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), a Hindu nationalist organization, in Haryana’s Nuh district. The video also contained derogatory and inflammatory remarks against Muslims, and accusations of cow slaughtering. The Brajmandal Yatra, which was started by the VHP three years ago, aims to revive the sacred Hindu sites in the Nuh district, which is also known as Mewat. Nuh is believed to be home to three ancient Shiva lingas from the time of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, and is also believed to be the place where Krishna used to graze his cows. The VHP leaders claim that these holy places are under the threat of encroachment by the influential people in the region, who are mostly Muslims. Nuh has a Muslim population of 79.2%, while Hindus constitute only 20.37% of the population, according to the 2011 Census. The yatra, which entered Nuh from Sohna on Monday morning began with a ceremonial “jal abhishek” (pouring of sacred water) at the Nalhar Mahadev Temple, an ancient temple near the main Nuh town. The yatra then proceeded to the Jhirakeshwar Mahadev and the Radha Krishna Temple in the Shrangar village, and finally to the Shringeshwar Mahadev Temple, where another “jal abhishek” ceremony took place.
The Hardship that Occured:
The yatra saw the participation of around 25,000 people, including the members of the Gau Raksha Dal and the Bajrang Dal, who carried tableaus and posters of the recently released Anupam Kher’s film The Kashmir Files, with a catchphrase “Jago Hinduo Jago” (Wake up Hindus, wake up). The yatra also played provocative songs and slogans on loudspeakers, which included calls for violence against Muslims. The local Muslim community was angered by the announcement that Monu Manesar would be participating in the yatra, as per reports. The Yatra was flagged off in the morning on Monday, July 31, 2023, from Civil Lines in Gurugram by BJP district president, Gargi Kakkar, according to news agency PTI. The Yatra was to reach Ferozepur Jhirka via Nuh. Afzal Ahmed, an MLA from Nuh, claimed that the incident was a premeditated act of violence. He highlighted that similar yatras had been conducted in the past, but faced no community resistance. Ahmed further pointed out that the current unrest was a post-BJP phenomenon, suggesting a change in the nature of such yatras. Ahmed told India Today that previous processions lacked the nuisance and hooliganism seen now, attributing the escalation to intentional provocations like spreading inflammatory videos on social media. The police, who accompanied the procession failed to prevent the violence that lasted for more than 16 hours. As the news spread, subsequent incidents of communal violence were also reported the next day in Gurugram and Sohna, where several establishments owned by Muslims, including meat shops, hotels, and a few junk dealers’ shops, were set on fire. The violence also targeted a mosque in Gurugram, which was set ablaze by the Hindutva rioters, resulting in the reported death of the Mosque’s Imam during the attack. The Mosque hosted around 400 worshippers. A total of 156 individuals were arrested, and 56 First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed in the aftermath of a week-long violence that led to the unfortunate demise of six individuals, including two police homeguards. In response to violence, the state government, led by the BJP, and known for its pro-Hindu agenda, took action primarily against the Muslim, demolishing their homes and businesses, alleging illegal encroachments. The government ordered the demolition of over 250 houses, largely of Muslims, in Nuh and Gurugram. The government claimed that the demolitions were done as per the law and the court orders, and that they had nothing to do with the communal violence. However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued an immediate order to stop the bulldozer operations in Nuh and Gurugram, asking the government to explain rationale behind such demolitions.
The Relief that Followed:
Miles2Smile Foundation promptly launched a comprehensive response to aid individuals and families affected by the violence and subsequent demolition of houses. Our team visited Nuh, where many Muslims were compelled to live under the open sky and lost their means of livelihood. While we acknowledge that the government has to provide compensation and rebuild not only the homes of these people but also their businesses, we also recognize that the court bears the responsibility of delivering justice to those whose houses were unlawfully demolished. Initiation of fundraisers was with the conviction that individuals who have lost their homes or sources of income should not feel isolated. Our primary goal was to ensure their sustenance and provide them with a sense of security. With our primary goals we were able to:
Extending Support to the Bengali Settlement
Miles2Smile Foundation, and its team had been deeply involved in relief and rehabilitation efforts to support individuals in Nuh who have suffered from unlawful demolitions. Similar to our efforts in other areas, we have been actively involved in Gurugram since August 5th, assisting families adversely affected by acts of violence and those who have lost their shops due to demolition drives. We provided them with essential supplies such as rations, tents, and assistance with reconstruction.
Rebuilding Homes in Nagina
During our visit to Dhobi Ghat at Nagina where 17 houses were demolished, we immediately provided for ration, tents and other essentials. In successive visits, we discussed with local authorities and started the construction of a few houses.
Situation Assessment and Ration Distribution
In the initial phase of our relief & rehabilitation efforts, our team had been actively engaged in assisting the affected people in Nuh. We interacted with families who were adversely impacted by the acts of violence, as well as people who lost their shops in the aftermath of the demolition drive. Our team conducted multiple visits to Nuh, engaging with people who bore the brunt of the violence and demolitions. In Gurugram, our team visited a Bengali settlement where residents had faced attacks and threats. Approximately 70 families, mainly from Bengal, lived in fear and were unable to work, often lacking proper meals. Miles2Smile distributed rations, sanitary pads, and essential items to these families, providing much needed relief. Among the impacted individuals, frailed Kallu, a 61-year-old vendor, bore a severe loss after the violence. Kallu’s shop, along with seven other Muslim shops in sector 66, was targeted, looted, and reduced to ashes during the violent events. MilesSmile Foundation successfully rebuilt Kallu’s shop, empowering him to regain his livelihood and a sense of security.
Nangal: Relief and Rehabilitation Support
Nangal, located approximately 10 km from Nuh town, witnessed the demolition of 16 houses, all belonging to Muslims, by the administration. Notably, Hindu settlements in the area remained untouched. The local sarpanch arranged for the relocation of these families. Miles2Smile provided tents, tarpaulin sheets, ration, and support for reconstruction.
Sidhrawat: Providing Assistance After Demolitions
During our visit to Sidhrawat, a small village approximately 30 km from Nuh, we observed the aftermath of an extensive demolition drive by the state, which resulted in the bulldozing of 16 houses. These families had been living in this area for more than 30 years. Our team worked preemptively with these families, after providing tents, tarpaulin sheets, and ration, and exploring options for relocation and reconstruction.
Our relief efforts were specifically directed towards two groups:
Individuals whose homes were demolished and those whose small shops and businesses were affected. We personally reached out to these individuals, offering support to help them during their challenging times. By addressing the immediate needs of those impacted by violence and evictions, our primary goal was to restore a sense of security and normalcy in their lives. We firmly believe that every contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in rebuilding lives, restoring hope, and paving the path towards a better tomorrow.
Firozpur Jhirka: Rebuilding Lives in DoodhGhati
In Firozpur Jhirka, our team conducted a comprehensive assessment in the Gyasaniyabas and “DoodhGhati” villages, where 106 residential structures were razed to the ground. We identified 15 households in exceptionally vulnerable situations and provided essential supplies like rations to them.
A Helping Hand in Adversity
In the foothills of the mighty Arravalis, where rugged terrain met the azure sky, lived a man named Jamshed. A humble laborer, aged 50, he toiled under the relentless sun, eking out a meager living for his family. Jamshed’s world revolved around his home, a modest structure perched on the mountain land. On the fateful day of August 3, 2023, the tranquility of Jamshed’s life was shattered when the municipal authorities, driven by unknown motives, descended upon his home. The air was thick with the dust of despair as the oncesturdy walls crumbled under the relentless force of mighty bulldozers. Jamshed, with his calloused hands and tired eyes, stood amidst the ruins, the remnants of his home scattered like ashes in the wind. The municipal authorities, oblivious to the damage they had caused, left Jamshed and his family stranded on the uncertainty of life. With a heavy heart, Jamshed gazed at the remnants of his home, now reduced to rubble. The roof that once shielded his family from the harsh sun was gone. Amidst the ruins, help reached Jamshed and his family through — Miles2Smile Foundation that reached out to Jamshed in the wake of the Nuh demolitions. The foundation, with its unwavering commitment to rebuilding lives, became the guiding light in Jamshed’s darkest hour. Miles2Smile set out to reconstruct two rooms, each measuring 12*14, for his family of seven. Jebuna, Jamshed’s wife, who had stood by his side through thick and thin, watched with tearful eyes as the foundation reconstructed their house. With tears of gratitude, Jamshed thanked the foundation for its heartfelt efforts.
Smiles Hours | Miles Covered | Smile Restored |
1209 | 5170 | 855 |