Understanding the Consequences of Stone Pelnig during Religious Processions in India

Communal clashes and stone pelting from rooftops have unfortunately become a recurring feature during Hindu festivals such as Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami processions in various regions of India. This practice, while perhaps rooted in tradition, has severe consequences and raises significant concerns about communal harmony and religious tolerance.

Why Stone Pelting?

Stone pelting, the act of throwing stones from rooftops during processions, is a practice that has several advantages from the perspective of those who engage in it:

Availability and Storage: Stones are easy to find and store on rooftops, offering a readily available and portable weapon. Untraceable Nature: In the absence of proper traceability, people can have stones in their homes without fearing legal repercussions, unlike with explosives and firearms. Customary Practice: In the Islamic tradition, one is supposed to throw stones at Satan during religious rituals. This has been twisted to justify the practice of pelting stones on Hindu Gods and other deities, depicting them as Satan.

The size and shape of stones vary, making them versatile tools that can injure or even kill people, depending on the situation and intent.

Reasons Behind Stone Pelnig

Stone pelting is driven by several underlying reasons:

Intolerance

The main reason for stone pelting is often intolerance from certain communities who do not allow processions through areas they consider secure. This intolerant stance is a cause for concern because people should be able to worship freely and in safe spaces. The idea of a sensitive locality, reminiscent of Pakistan, is concerning as it implies a restriction on religious freedom.

Asserting Dominance

The act of throwing stones can serve as a display of power and dominance over a locality, discouraging other groups from entering or staying. This is used as a way to exert social pressure on people to sell their businesses and properties at a low price. Examples of such incidents include Nuh in Mewat, Kairana, and Kashmir, where such activities were used to establish an independent Muslim state and eliminate non-Muslim communities.

Initiating Riots and Tools of Violence

Politically motivated parties and groups often use this practice as a tool to initiate riots. These groups need some excuse to incite violence and often blame the victims. Like in the 2020 Delhi riots, a councilor named Tahir Hussain was caught red-handed. His house was the base for stone pelting, and he confessed to planning violence against and driving out Hindus from Delhi. The political party (AAP) tried to save him, but the evidence against him was overwhelming.

Widespread Use and Template

Stone pelting has become a repetitive and widespread incident, especially in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. This regular occurrence is part of a larger conspiracy to provoke and incite riots, causing damage to communities and promoting communal tensions.

It is crucial to understand these detrimental impacts and work towards promoting religious tolerance and communal harmony in India. This involves educating communities about the harmful effects of such practices and promoting peaceful coexistence and cultural understanding.