by Team Clarion
BAHRAICH — The imposition of the National Security Act (NSA) on eight Muslims youths in the Mahsi–Maharajganj area of Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh has ignited a political and social storm, as rights activists and opposition parties accuse the administration of shielding Hindu mobs while targeting one community.
The communal clash took place on 13 October 2024, during a Durga idol immersion procession in Rehuwa Mansoor village, when provocative songs were played on loudspeakers. According to locals, the music targeted Muslims and became a flashpoint when the procession neared a mosque.
Eyewitnesses allege that despite repeated pleas to stop the inflammatory songs, members of Hindutva outfits provoked the situation further. Stones were thrown, homes in Muslim areas were set on fire, and even religious symbols were desecrated. A man named Ram Gopal Mishra was killed during the chaos, after which violence escalated further.
Yet, almost a year later, the District Magistrate of Bahraich has approved NSA charges under Section 3(2) of the 1980 Act against eight Muslim youths alone—including Maroof Ali, Nanaku, Mohammed Faheem, Mohammed Afzal alias Kallu, Mohammed Zeeshan alias Raja, Javed, Shoaib Khan and Saif Ali.
District Magistrate declared: “This action has been taken to maintain law and order, communal harmony and public safety. If anyone tries to disrupt peace in the future, strict measures will be taken.”
But this justification has failed to silence critics. Rights groups have strongly condemned what they call “one-sided action.”
Local social activist Rashid Khan told reporters: “When Hindu mobs torched Muslim houses and attacked mosques, no one was booked under NSA. Why are only Muslim youths behind bars? This selective justice deepens mistrust in the system.”
Opposition leaders too voiced outrage. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Anita Verma said: “The Bahraich case shows how the administration is working under political pressure. Hindus who led the mob attacks are free, while Muslims are being punished collectively.”
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.