Intense opposition by religious fanatics to the installation of saffron flags in the vicinity of Panvel (Raigad District) Railway Station

• An attempt to incite a riot
• Provocative and denigrating slogans were raised

Panvel – Here, outside the railway station, fanatic Muslims strongly opposed the hoisting of saffron flags by Hindus. A video of the incident was widely circulated on 21st January. In the video, the fanatic Muslims were loudly and fiercely chanting ‘Allah Hu Akbar’ (Only Allah is great) and ‘Nara e Takbeer’ (‘No one is greater than Allah’). At that time, the Police that were present there only whistled and tried to disperse the crowd with their batons. There were only about 7-8 Police officers seen at the scene. The video also shows a Hindu being slapped on the head without reason by a fanatic and another’s shirt being pulled.

After this, Hindu Parag Balad along with former councillor Mukid Kazi and one associated with the Jama Masjid in Panvel jointly released a video. This video said, ‘The video being circulated is a rumour. We have been living together for generations. No such incident has occurred. What is seen as happening is false. There was a dispute over rickshaw fares, which is seen in this video.’ (In the first video, it is clear that Hindu youths came to hoist the saffron flag and were opposed. How could anyone think that it was related to a dispute over rickshaw fares ? – Editor)

Editorial Perspectives

• In the city of Panvel and its surrounding areas, the arrogance and impunity of religious fanatics is increasing day by day. If Hindus and supporters of Hindu Dharma do not realise this and wake up in time, then in the future who can say what further steps these religious fanatics could take with impunity ?
• What greater misfortune than that in a Hindu-majority country, Hindus are unable to hoist the Hindu saffron flag ? Hindus need to realise that establishing a Hindu Rashtra is inevitable.