101 civil servants write to Amit Shah against ‘majoritarian aggression’ in Uttarakhand

A group of 101 former civil servants, under the Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG), has penned a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging intervention against what they describe as a rising tide of “majoritarian aggression and belligerence” targeting religious minorities in Uttarakhand.

The group expressed particular concern over increasing hate speech, incitement to violence, and alleged efforts to transform the region into a stronghold of “aggressive Hindutva.”

The letter pointed to specific incidents and actors that the group claims have catalysed communal tensions across Uttarakhand. Citing recent events, the former officials warned of escalating hate speech and urged Shah to take decisive steps against those advocating violence.

In a statement within the letter, the group referenced a speech made at the Dehradun Press Club on September 10, 2024, where a call was made for a “dharma sansad” scheduled for December. The proposed gathering, they argue, recalls a similar “dharma sansad” held in Haridwar in December 2021, where incendiary speeches openly promoted mass violence and atrocities against Muslims.

In addition to Dehradun, the group highlighted multiple locations across Uttarakhand—Chauras, Srinagar, Berinag, Uttarkashi, Karnaprayag, and others—where minorities have reportedly been subjected to harassment, property damage, and threats. Some residents from minority communities have allegedly been forced to leave their homes, with businesses owned by Muslims facing boycotts and restrictions imposed by local groups.

According to the letter, a small number of individuals and organisations are at the root of these actions, including individuals previously involved in the 2021 Haridwar “dharma sansad.”

Among those mentioned was Yati Narsinghanand, a controversial figure and priest at the Dasna Devi temple in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Known for his inflammatory rhetoric, Narsinghanand recently sparked protests in several cities following alleged derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad during a sermon on September 29. He has faced numerous charges, including calls for violence against Muslims, and was previously arrested in January 2022 for his role in the 2021 Haridwar “dharma sansad.”

In their letter, the CCG urged the Uttarakhand Police to take a firmer stance against individuals like Narsinghanand, whom they accuse of inciting communal discord. They criticised the police for failing to cancel his bail and recommended his arrest under the National Security Act.

While acknowledging the efforts of certain district officials and police officers who have acted fairly to curb violence, the former civil servants noted that such interventions remain sporadic and insufficient to counter the larger “communal agenda” that appears to be gaining ground in the state.

The CCG’s letter further highlighted a troubling trend of “mahapanchayat” gatherings being organised to promote the economic boycott and expulsion of Muslim residents. One such event, planned for November 4 in Uttarkashi, has raised concerns due to recent clashes in the area between Hindutva groups and local communities. The violence reportedly erupted over demands to demolish a 55-year-old mosque near the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

The CCG warned of the potential for widespread organised violence if these gatherings continue unchecked. They called on the Home Ministry to take proactive measures to prevent Uttarakhand from descending into communal unrest, urging swift legal and administrative actions to protect the region’s peace and unity.