LUCKNOW: Rihai Manch, an outfit formed to struggle for release of innocent Muslim youth implicated in false terror charges, continued its demonstration for 40th day on Sunday. Activists also took out a march demanding arrest of the policemen responsible for the death of terror accused Khalid Mujahid. They also demanded through probe into the role of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in riots in Kosi Kalan area of Mathura last year in June and bomb blasts on May 30 this year.
Mujahid died under mysterious circumstances in police custody on May 18 this year while he was being brought from a court in Faizabad to Lucknow jail. He was arrested along with Tariq Qasmi in December 2007 on charges of engineering serial blasts in Faizabad, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Varanasi in 2007. However, later, Nimesh Commission formed by the state government found loopholes in police theory. TheSamajwadi Party (SP) had promised in its election manifesto in 2012, if voted to power, it will withdraw cases lodged against innocent Muslims. The SP government started the process of withdrawal of cases but it has been stayed by the High Court. Rihai Manchhas been demanding release of Nimesh Commission report and action on it. The state government has announced to table the report in forthcoming assembly session.
Activists claimed conspiracy behind implication of Muslim youth in terror cases in Lucknow. They supported their argument by drawing attention towards fake encounters in Gujarat. They also pointed out arrest of a VHP leader for blasts in Mathura. They said that government should probe the role of VHP and other sangh parivar organisations in riots and blasts in the state. A delegation of Rihai Manch activists led by justice (rtd) Rajendra Sachar had also met chief minister Akhilesh Yadav earlier this year. They had informed Yadav about sangh parivar’s design to flare up communal sentiments in the state in view of next Lok Sabha elections. They also narrated how innocent Muslim youth are being booked under false charges.
Activists also said that several police officers, who were responsible for Mujaihid’s death, would have been at receiving end after tabling of the Nimesh Commission report. Mujahid’s death benefited these policemen the most, they alleged. They also accused SP government of going back on its promise to provide justice to innocent Muslims. Women and children also took part in the protest march.
Source: TOI
