In Jaipur's Shastri Nagar, Rajasthan, posters have surfaced urging local Hindus not to sell their homes to non-Hindus and discouraging migration. Local Hindus allege continuous harassment from Muslim residents, who reportedly pressure them to sell their houses. This harassment has led several Hindu families to consider leaving the area. According to local accounts, Muslim youths are accused of harassing Hindu girls and causing disturbances in the neighborhood, making it unsafe for girls to venture outside. Additionally, several Hindu women interviewed by Media Channels highlighted a recent surge in theft incidents.
(Images: TimesNow Navbharat)
Despite filing complaints with the police, local Hindus claim no action has been taken. They expressed concern over the establishment of goat markets near a Hindu temple and cited past clashes as reasons for fearing potential violence against their community. In response to these challenges, local Hindus have urged the government to intervene and prevent non-Hindus from purchasing property in their neighborhood, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure their safety and maintain communal harmony.
What does the Poster Say?
The poster pasted on the walls in Shastri Nagar reads, “Sanataniyon se appeal: Palayan ko rokein. Sabhi Sanatani bhaiyon beheno se appeal hai ki apna makaan gair Hinduon ko na bechein. Nivedak: Sarva Hindu Samaj” [Appeal to Sanatanis: Stop migration. It is an appeal to all Sanatani brothers and sisters not to sell their homes to non-Hindus. Applicant: Sarva Hindu Samaj].
What do locals say?
“In the wake of this situation, we decided to post posters outside our homes urging people not to sell their homes to non-Hindus.” Property brokers frequently approach us, asking whether we want to sell our house. In the daytime, they come and ask us to show them our houses even though we tell them that we are not interested in selling our houses. Many houses have been sold to outside people and the atmosphere in our locality has been disturbed,” the local Hindu residents said.
Anita Jain, the councilor representing Ward 22 where Nandpuri colony of Jaipur is situated, acknowledged her awareness of the posters and expressed strong support for the message they conveyed. She emphasized the need to manage the increasing population of minority communities within the walled city, noting that these communities deliberately infiltrate Hindu-dominated areas, making it crucial to address this issue effectively.
A resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that they were the ones who initially put up the posters. However, upon being informed about police intervention, they agreed to have the posters removed. Their intention was to avoid prolonging the matter and causing unnecessary conflict, demonstrating a willingness to cooperate with authorities.
Another Jaipur resident living nearby explained that trouble began when a homeowner decided to rent out their property and relocate. Subsequently, a rumor spread claiming the property had been sold to a Muslim. The resident clarified, however, that only a small number of houses in the neighborhood were causing problems, indicating that the issue is not widespread across the entire community.
Residents observe that Muslim families in the area exhibit significantly different cultural practices compared to Hindu families. Recently, one Muslim family hosted a party where they cooked meat on the street, prompting residents to request them to refrain from doing so. This cultural difference has contributed to tensions within the neighborhood.
A woman resident expressed her concerns about safety in the area, citing instances where Muslim youths on motorcycles would whistle at them. This behavior has added to the discomfort felt by Hindu residents, highlighting ongoing interpersonal challenges that need to be addressed by local authorities.
Hindus in this part of Jaipur are distressed about potentially having to leave their ancestral properties due to the demographic changes unfolding before them. The migration of Hindu families has sparked public outcry and complaints to local authorities, underscoring the emotional and practical implications of the situation.
A resident expressed concern that if the migration continues unchecked, it could lead to significant cultural and demographic shifts in the area, potentially alienating long-standing residents. Another resident stressed the importance of selling houses within the community to maintain harmony, even if it meant accepting a lower price, reflecting the community's efforts to preserve its social fabric.
Some residents suspect there might be a planned conspiracy to drive up property prices and alter the demographic composition of the area, raising concerns about economic and social stability. This suspicion underscores broader anxieties within the community regarding the future of their neighborhood.
Locals have sought support from MLA Balmukund Acharya to prevent Hindus from leaving the area. Acharya, known for his proactive initiatives such as cracking down on open chicken carts and identifying illegal immigrants from Myanmar (Rohingya) and Bangladesh, has taken note of the situation along with other local authorities and leaders.
Police Comments
Meanwhile, the SHO stated that the police had not received any complaints about the matter. “Selling and buying property is a personal matter. “No such matter has come to light in which there is any dispute,” the SHO said.
Conclusion
As debates on cultural preservation and demographic integrity continue to unfold, the experience of Shastri Nagar serves as a microcosm of larger societal shifts across India. The call to safeguard Hindu homes and neighborhoods reflects not just local grievances but a broader sentiment among communities grappling with rapid urbanization and social change. In this context, the issues in Jaipur resonate as a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics shaping contemporary India's social landscape.
Amidst these concerns, there is a growing apprehension among Hindu residents about perceived attempts by some Muslim residents to alter local demography and impose cultural norms. Instances such as pressure to sell properties and cultural clashes over public behavior highlight the challenges faced by the Hindu community striving to maintain their cultural identity amidst changing social dynamics.
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