Unauthorized Panchayat Held To Protest Against Arrests, Speakers Say: ‘Want CM Like Yogi’

GURGAON: Attendees of an unauthorized mahapanchayat in Tigra village, organized by Hindu groups, have issued a week’s ultimatum to the police, demanding the release of youths they claim are “innocent” and were detained in connection with the recent mosque arson attack. The attack resulted in the death of a 23-year-old mosque member and also led to severe injuries to a deputy imam. The mob assault took place shortly after the July 31 unrest in Nuh.

Asserting their stance, Mahesh Dayema, a former councillor from Sector 30 and a panchayat coordinator, voiced concerns over the detainment of “innocent” youths, insisting that they should not be subjected to unwarranted harassment during the investigation. Four individuals from Tigra – Rakesh (23), Ravinder (32), Rahul (25), and Ankit (25) – have been apprehended in connection with the arson attack. Additionally, two residents of Nathupur, Tinkle (26) and Naveen (27), along with Satpal (30) from Bandhwari, have been taken into custody.

The mahapanchayat drew over 800 attendees, including sarpanches and some councillors from various villages spanning Gurgaon, Faridabad, Hisar, Jhajjar, Palwal, and Rewari. The event featured speeches expressing sentiments against a particular community. Commencing at approximately 10:45 am on the premises of a government school, the panchayat took place despite restrictions under Section 144 CrPC imposed by the district administration. Local police and the Rapid Action Force conducted extensive checks on passing vehicles, commencing as early as 6 am on Sunday.

Organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and other right-wing organizations, the panchayat witnessed speakers advocating for a chief minister akin to “Yogi Adityanath.” Some even suggested that if such a chief minister was unattainable, Nuh should be integrated into Uttar Pradesh. The event further saw objections raised against the “arbitrary arrests” linked to the attack on Anjuman masjid in Sector 57.

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Several speakers decried the perceived bias in the detention of youths, asserting that the true culprits remained at large. A participant proposed the division of Nuh into three zones, with separate regions designated for Gurgaon, Palwal, and Rewari.

Notably, opinions on convening the mahapanchayat differed within Tigra. Antram Tanvar, a former pradhan, considered the gathering an attempt to incite religious tensions, emphasizing that legal proceedings and police intervention were more appropriate avenues for addressing such matters. Tanvar questioned the necessity of the religiously influenced panchayat, particularly as the administration endeavoured o restore peace in the region. He highlighted the peaceful coexistence of people from diverse religious backgrounds in the area.

Gurgaon Police Chief Kala Ramchandran confirmed that the entire mahapanchayat session had been recorded. Subsequently, it would be reviewed to determine further action. The primary focus remains on ensuring that peace and law and order in the vicinity are maintained.

Furthermore, the villagers have formed a committee consisting of 101 members to instigate the police and district administration for a swift investigation. The committee intends to put forth a list of demands during a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav. Additionally, there is a looming possibility of organizing a larger-scale panchayat if the “innocent” youths remain in custody.

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