Dera riots: Khattar is responsible

There is no excuse for the ineptitude with which the BJP government in Haryana allowed the riotous followers of a self-styled godman, convicted of rape by a CBI court in Panchkula on August 25, let loose an unbridled display of violence and arson, resulting in 36 deaths, 250 injuries and wanton destruction of public and private property. The BJP government of the state, led by Manohar Lal Khattar, knew very well the date of the verdict in the rape case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who heads the Dera Sacha Sauda, which has influence in north India, especially Punjab and Haryana. Intelligence agencies had warned that his followers were preparing to stir up trouble should there be an adverse verdict. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the state government to ensure law and order and not allow the followers to gather in Panchkula.

However, the state government looked the other way and let the build-up by the Dera followers to continue, which many charge was deliberate on the part of the government run by BJP, which was supported by Ram Rahim — now sentenced for 20 years — in the 2014 Assembly elections. The state police, who allowed lakhs of followers to gather in Panchkula, simply watched as the armed rioters ran amok soon after the godman was convicted. So alarming was the administration’s lack of response that the full bench of the high court had to convene a special hearing on Saturday to hold the state government accountable. After hearing the glib explanations of the lawyers of the Central and state government, it lashed out at the BJP government for its “political surrender to allure a vote bank” by “protecting” the Dera followers and extending political patronage to them. Such a harsh indictment is rare in post-Independence judicial history.

While the Khattar government’s utter failure to protect its people is unpardonable, equally shocking was the BJP’s continued backing of the chief minister. As the state government abdicated its responsibility, the Centre should have acted swiftly to not just warn the chief minister but to send forces before the build-up had started. The fact that post-conviction violence was effectively contained without loss of life in neighbouring Punjab, where the Dera has more followers, mocks at the lame excuses offered by the BJP. This is the third time that the Khattar government has failed to handle similar law and order challenges, displaying its lack of will and capacity to govern. The earlier the BJP establishment realises this, the better. It should hold Khattar responsible for the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally broken his silence on the issue saying violence in the name of faith will not be tolerated. But to be convincing, he must act and not just talk.