Frontline
May  2001 
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Saffron agenda in quake relief

Sharp criticisms and reports of the sangh parivar’s influencing of relief and rehabilitation work in Gujarat had somewhat curtailed these tendencies but reports from the state from March-April 2001 onwards show that intimidation sangh style has resumed

BY TEESTA SETALVAD

After lying low for a few weeks due to widespread criticism of their blatantly partisan approach to relief 
 and rehabilitation (see Communalism Combat, February 2001), different wings of the sangh parivar are again flexing their muscle. Independent NGOs, especially those affiliated to Christian organisations are being intimidated on the ground that “the motive behind their relief work is religious conversion.”

At least four to five separate incidents in different parts of the state between March 20 and April 15 reveal the modus operandi of outfits affiliated to the RSS and VHP in Adhoi, Kotada and Ratnal villages where Ganatar, an NGO is doing relief work. 

Harinesh Pandya, involved in the social rehabilitation program of Sneh Samudaya being implemented by Gantar and sponsored by the ministry of social Justice and empowerment, government of India, has lodged an FIR with the Gujarat police, recording the above episode. Earlier relief efforts of the St Xaviers Society and All India Christian Council were also met with hostility from aggressive members of the sangh parivar.

A copy of Pandya’s FIR acquired by Communalism Combat reveals the manner in which terror tactics have been used. Pandya records in detail the events from March 31, 2001, when he received an appeal from Denis the representative of Sneh Samudaya, a program for the social rehabilitation of orphans and widows that Ganatar is implementing in nearly 20 villages and towns of Bhachau and Anjar districts since January 30. 

While working in Adhoi town in Kutch, Denis had been threatened by a religious leader running a camp and was being intimidated into admitting that he was converting villagers to Christianity. In the presence of the mahant he was threatened with violence and his life, in the presence of a 3,000-strong mob on March 31. In the midst of such an intimidating atmosphere, the mahant, examined the documents of the Sneh Samudaya. Though nothing ‘incriminating’ could be found, the mahant kept pressurising Denis to accept that he was actually involved in conversion. As the crowd became more and more aggressive, it was the mahant who obviously had influence over the local police, and who directed the police inspector to escort Denis and Pandya to the police station. At this point, Harsh Mander and Amar Jyoti, the country director and the regional manager of Action Aid respectively, arrived on the scene. During their conversation with inspector, they demanded information on the police conduct throughout this episode. In response, the inspector aggressively threatened: “Even if it means being disrobed of my uniform, I shall file seven FIRs against you people alleging religious conversions today!” Many VHP activists including Jayantibhai Prajapati were also present in the police station at the time. Similar intimidatory tactics were used at Kotader village on April 2, 2001. 

The Janpath Citizen’s Collective at which 30 representatives belonging to different NGOs were present called an emergency meeting of all NGOs working in Kutch in Ahmedabad on April 4. Throughout the meeting, constant phone calls were received from Kutch, reporting more and more incidences of threats and violence by the RSS. The NGOs thereafter presented a memorandum to the chief minister, the home minister, the relief commissioner, the DGP of the state and the DSP of Bhuj. 

Another NGO that has been similarly threatened is the Jan Jagaran Manch, an organization that has been working in Lakadia village. In response to false allegations of conversion, this group organised a massive rally to protest against the RSS creating trouble and thus depriving people of relief and other aids. 

Such a situation has polarized the NGO community in the state and schisms have developed within it over whether to ally with the RSS and affiliated organizations interested in participating in relief and rehabilitation or not. The monetary stakes in relief and rehabilitation works in Gujarat, post-earthquake are high. UNDP itself has pledged a staggering Rs. 150 crore in relief alone (rehab money is still to follow) and in an unusual and unprecedented move, this money is being channelised only through non-governmental organizations working in the region. 

For the RSS, inexperienced in sustained post-trauma relief work and singularly lacking in international credibility, the only way to stake a claim in the generous share is through joining an existing NGO collective. For NGOs with proven organizing capability in the Kutch region, and who enjoy national and international credibility because of longstanding developmental work in the region, acquiescing in the sangh’s pressure tactics could guarantee tremendous political clout and unhindered functioning. Short terms gains yes, but at what cost to an already alienated and polarized polity? 


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