Fact Finding of Surat Riots – 14th September 2024
According to media reports, on September 8, 2024, an incident of stone pelting occurred at a Ganesh pandal located on the main road of Variyali Bazaar, Surat, Gujarat, during the Ganesh Utsav celebrations. Several local media channels claimed that stones were thrown at the idol of Lord Ganesha and that the pandal was attacked. Reports indicated that the stone pelting on the Ganesha idol set up on the main road of Variyali Bazaar led to communal tensions, resulting in damage to several vehicles and injuries to policemen. Some reports said that two children were involved in the stone-throwing incident, allegedly provoked to do so. It was claimed that the action was part of a conspiracy, with the involvement of children being a deliberate attempt to heighten communal tension in Surat. Reports characterized the incident as a pre-planned conspiracy. As part of the initial investigation, the police arrested 27 individuals, all from the Muslim community. Social media reactions to the incident surfaced, with calls to teach “jihadis” a lesson and find and punish the stone-pelters. A viral video emerged, showing the arrested individuals limping and supporting each other as they walked.
On September 9, Surat City Police’s Twitter account (@CP_SuratCity) released a 55-second video. The video showed the idol of Lord Ganesha, followed by footage of the police taking people into custody. The caption read: “Police’s strict action against those throwing pebbles at Shreeji’s idol in Variyali Bazaar, Saiyedpura, Surat.” The video featured an edited scene from the movie ‘Singham’, showing Ajay Devgan delivering the dialogue “Aata Majhi Satakli Hai,” followed by footage of arrested Muslim individuals limping and supporting each other while exiting a police van. The caption read: “The police have arrested all accused who disturbed the peace of the city and taught them the rule of law.” The background music of the video included the song ‘Aala Re Aala Simbaa Aala’.
In connection to this incident, three FIRs were filed at the Expansion and Lal Gate police stations in Surat. In light of these reports, a team from Ahmedabad arrived at the site of the incident in Surat on September 14, 2024, to investigate and uncover the truth behind the event. The team consists of Advocate Shamshad Pathan, Gujarat President of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR); Hozefa Ujjaini, Director of Buniyaad; Ikram Mirza, General Secretary of APCR; Advocate Altaf Bharuchi, Surat President of APCR; and Sugeet Pathak from PUCL and CPI. The fact-finding visit was facilitated by APCR, and the detailed report, prepared in Hindi by Hozefa, is attached separately.
Press Conference – 19th September 2024
A press conference was organized by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) on 19th September 2024 at Sardar Hall, Laldarwaja, to present the findings of a recent fact-finding of Surat incidents. The conference was attended by representatives from both local and print media. Key speakers at the conference included Prasad Chacko, Advocate Shamshad Pathan, Hozefa Ujjaini, Deepak Solanki, and Ikram Mirza. During the conference, the findings of the report were shared with the media, highlighting the facts surrounding the incidents investigated. The speakers also discussed the broader impact of such small-scale riots on communities, including the cultural, political, social and economic disruptions they cause.
In total, representatives from around 10 media outlets attended, along with 30 social activists and concerned citizens. The discussions during the event emphasized the need to promote peace and conflict transformation for longer period among the communities.
Link of Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/apcr-seeks-judicial-probe-into-surat-clashes-9577846/
Cultural Diversity Walk – 24th September 2024
A cultural diversity walk in old walled Ahmedabad city, emphasizing the city’s shared heritage and culture, was organized on September 24, 2024. The walk was specifically designed for 7th and 8th-grade students and was coordinated by the Redwood Company. A total of 35 students participated, with facilitation provided by Hozefa Ujjaini and Deepak Solanki. The participating schools were prestigious school from Bangalore & Hyderabad with students predominantly from affluent backgrounds and various countries. This was the fourth visit organized by the Redwood Company, further establishing continuity in this initiative.
The walk began in the historic “pol” areas of Ahmedabad, offering students unique insights into the city’s diverse cultures. The concept of a “pol” was explored to help students understand how different trading communities have established separate pols within Ahmedabad, originally designed for protection from outsiders. The key sites visited during the walk included the Asthpath Jain Derasar temple, a water reservoir, a secret passage, and the traditional chabutra. The students also passed through landmarks like the Fernandeez Bridge, Rani and Badshah Hajiro, Maneknath Samadhi, before concluding the walk at the Jama Masjid.
Sardar Patel Institute of Mass Communication student visit at Conflictorium Museum – 26th September 2024
On September 26, 2024, students from the Sardar Patel Institute of Mass Communication had an enriching visit to the Conflictorium, building on a previous visit by the institute in June 2023. Approximately 30 students actively participated in the event.
The visit included an engaging tour of the Conflictorium museum, facilitated by Nayan Rathod and Hozefa. The museum provided the students with a experience, exposing them to various forms of conflict, including those related to caste, communal tensions, and gender issues. The exhibits also pointed towards the moral compass guided by the Constitution, offering a holistic view of societal conflicts. The students were assigned a project by the institution to work on, based on their visit, in their respective groups.
Waqf Amendment Act – Awareness Program – 28th September 2024
Jan Adhikar Manch organized a meeting in Himmatnagar, gathering a select group of individuals to deepen their understanding of the concept, history, and legal framework of Waqf, as well as the recent amendments to the Waqf Act. The primary objective of the meeting was to dispel the myths and counter the misinformation being spread by certain fundamentalist groups, while fostering a clear understanding of the issues.
The meeting was facilitated by Meerkhan Makrani, Convenor of Jan Adhikar Manch. Hozefa Ujjaini was invited as an expert to provide a detailed explanation of the Waqf Act. In his one and half hour, Hozefa elaborated on the evolution of the Waqf Act from its inception, addressing key aspects such as the management and preservation of Waqf properties, the legal obligations of Waqf trustees, and the social significance of Waqf institutions.
Hozefa’s talk also focused on the recent amendments to the Waqf Act, and need to ask question to the government. He discussed how certain misinterpretations of the amendments have led to unnecessary confusion and mistrust, particularly in the context of religious and communal tensions. By clarifying these myths, Hozefa highlighted the true intent of the law and how it serves to improve the governance of Waqf properties.
Following the presentation, a question and answer session allowed participants to seek further clarifications on various aspects of the Waqf Act.
One of the key take aways from the meeting was the emphasis on the importance of maintaining proper documentation of Waqf properties. It has advised the participants on the legal necessity of accurate record-keeping. Similar meetings were also organized in various districts to raise awareness and develop a deeper understanding of the Waqf Act and its perspective.
BhagatSingh Jayanti discussion and songs – 29th September 2024
A program to discuss the ideology and thoughts of Bhagat Singh, followed by a session of struggle songs, was jointly organized by Buniyaad, Punaruththan, and SC Ekta Manch. The event was facilitated by Hozefa Ujjaini, and focused on Bhagat Singh’s views on the idea of nation, as well as his writings on communalism, caste, and religion.
The program featured songs performances by Mahendra Solanki, Hozefa, Manish, and Prakash, who performed struggle songs relevant to the themes of the discussion. The conversation was led by DK Rathod from Punaruththan and further developed by Hozefa, Deepak Solanki, Amit, and other participants. Around 35 individuals from different areas of Ahmedabad participated, contributing to a lively and thought-provoking dialogue.
The discussion delved into how Bhagat Singh’s ideas about social justice, equality, and idea of nation remain relevant in the contemporary context. Participants reflected on the ongoing challenges posed by communalism and caste-based discrimination and shared insights on how Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary thoughts could inspire collective action today.
The program succeeded in fostering an inclusive discussion on Bhagat Singh’s ideology, attracting participants from various social backgrounds. The inclusion of struggle songs created a powerful emotional connection to the themes, enhancing the impact of the discussion. Participants expressed a desire to hold follow-up programs for deeper engagement.
Participation:-
- Participated in a meeting organized by Bebaaq Collective in Delhi, aimed at discussing and analyzing the impact of the current politics of hatred in various states of the country from a feminist perspective. The meeting took place from 6th to 7th September 2024.
- On 11th September 2024, Hozefa facilitated a meeting organized by Parwaaz with women leaders in Juhapura. The meeting aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the right of Muslim women to receive maintenance under this section.
