In a press release, 13 opposition parties today came together to urge people to maintain “peace and harmony” in wake of the recent communal violence in some states.
“We, the undersigned leaders of political parties, have come together to issue this appeal,” the release read.
Among the 13 parties which came together to issue the statement were Congress, NCP, TMC, DMK, CPI(M), JMM, NC, RJD, CPI, and CPI (ML)
“We are extremely anguished at the manner in which issues related to food, dress, faith, festivals and language are being deliberately used by sections of the ruling establishment to polarize our society,” the leaders wrote.
“We are extremely concerned with the growing incidents of hate speech in the country by ppeople who appear to have official patronage and against whom no meaningful and strong action is being taken.”
Refering to recent communal clashes in the country on the occasion of Ram Navami, the opposition leaders wrote: “We strongly condemn the recent outburst of communal violence witnessed across several states in the country. We are deeply concerned, as reports indicate that there is a sinister pattern in the areas where these incidents have occurred. Incendiary hate speeches preceded the aggressive armed religious processions unleashing communal violence.”
“We are extremely pained at the manner in which social media and the audio-visual platformsare being misused with official patronage to spread hatred and prejudice,” the opposition further added.
The letter also questioned Prime Minister on his silence and said: “We are shocked at the silence the Prime Minister, who has failed to speak against the words and actions of those who propagate bigotry and those who, by their words and actions, incite and provoke our society. This silence is an eloquent testimony to the fact that such private armed mobs enjoy the luxury of official patronage.”
“We reiterate our collective resolve to work together to strengthen the bonds of social harmony that have defined and enriched India for centuries.”
“We reiterate our commitment to combat and confront the poisonous ideologies which are attempting to entrench divisiveness in our society,” the opposition parties declared.
“We reiterate our firm conviction that our country will prosper only if it respects, accommodates and celebrates its many diversities in full measure,” they added.
“We appeal to all sections of the people to maintain peace and foil the sinister objective of those who wish to sharpen communal polarisation. We call upon all our party units across the country to independently and jointly work for maintaining peace and harmony,” the leaders urged.
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