New Delhi: Concerned over the incidents of hate crimes across the nation ahead of Assembly elections in the country, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) on Saturday appealed to the Central government to rein in the communal forces and anti-social elements behind such incidents. Addressing media during a virtual press conference, JIH vice-president Prof. Salim Engineer said hate crimes have increased with Assembly polls of five states drawing nearer.
"Those engaging in these nefarious activities to create communal strife feel emboldened as no action is taken against them and they become confident to carry out further crimes knowing that they can continue to spread hatred and commit acts of violence without attracting any punishment by the law enforcement machinery," he added.
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He said that atrocities against Dalits and minorities have increased a sense of insecurity among the marginalised sections of society. Prof. Salim pointed out that criminal cases and incidents related to law and order are given a communal colour and exploited by forces of hate and division to create polarization in society.
Appealing to the government to come down heavily on forces spreading bigotry and communal hatred, he asked the political parties, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social activists to come forward and fulfil their responsibility towards curbing hatred in the country.
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Referring to the Supreme Court refusing to stay the electoral bonds, Prof. Salim said that there is serious apprehension that any further sale of electoral bonds before the upcoming Assembly elections in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Manipur would further increase illegal and illicit funding of political parties.
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