Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi linked the ongoing violence in the national capital to the upcoming hearing by US Commission on Religious Freedom. Speaking to the reporters on Tuesday, Owaisi said that the BJP government wanted to send a message on the eve of US President Donald Trump’s visit to India. “They (BJP government) wanted to show that we will run the country our way and not like how you want it.” He questioned the government on why they did not take any preventive steps to prevent violence even though a visiting international dignitary was in the capital.
The US Commission for International Religious Freedom will hold hearings on citizenship laws on March 4. The Commission had taken note of the ongoing protests against CAA in the country.
Owaisi also criticised PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for not imposing curfew to contain the violence. “Why are they maintaining silence? Why is there no condemnation?”
Owaisi termed the violence in north-east Delhi as “state-sponsored” and rejected claims of it being communal riots.
Owaisi blamed ex-BJP MLA Kapil Mishra of inciting violence and sought to know why no action was taken against him. He said that the violence began after Kapil Mishra’s statements as it spoiled the local atmosphere. “He had the tacit sport of his party. Could they not have stopped him?” he later said pointing at Mishra. “I want to tell Amit Shah and Modi that you are rearing poisonous snakes in your backyard.”
He expressed concern over the loss of lives and damage to property due to the violence in the last 24 hours. Referring to a video clip showing injured anti-CAA protestors being forced to sing the national anthem on a street by policemen, he felt that the situation conveyed loss of dignity.
He felt that there was a pattern to the violence and JNU and Jamia were also under attack in a similar way.
Earlier today, Minister of State for Home, Kishan Reddy had spoken in Hyderabad on the Delhi riots. Taking potshots at him, he asked the Minister to not waste time in Hyderabad and control the situation in Delhi