It is shocking to see the clampdown on VHP’s 84 Kosi Parikrama Yatra by Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party Government in Uttar Pradesh.
In a massive crackdown, the Uttar Pradesh Government last Sunday arrested a total of 2,674 people including several top VHP leaders, a huge number of sadhus from across the country who were congregated in Ayodhya to take part in the Parikrama Yatra. 1,087 have been freed so far freed even as 1,587 are still in custody.
VHP’s 84 Kosi Parikrama Yatra, which kicked off on August 25 and will continue till September 25, is meant for garnering support to build the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
By clamping down on the yatra, the Akhilesh Yadav Government has violated the Right to Freedom of Religion. Let me explain why.
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution clearly states that every citizen of the country has the right to profess, practice and propagate their religions peacefully.
Hence by clamping down on the VHP yatra, the Samajwadi Party Government in Uttar Pradesh has attacked a fundamental right of the Hindus.
The UP Government however, argues that the clampdown on the yatra was necessary as it could vitiate the communal atmosphere in the State. But, the defence doesn’t hold true. Is the so-called communal sensitivity only extend to matters related to Hindus?
The Samajwadi Party Government’s move is loaded with a desperate attempt to appease minority. To satiate its Muslim vote-bank, the Akhilesh Yadav Government is denying natural justice to Hindus.