I'd like to borrow a term from Josy Joseph's book "A Feast of Vultures" to discuss a different topic. Joseph talked about certain people profiting from shady deals, but I want to use the same idea for a different situation. There are people who spread hate and benefit from it, even though they may not seem like it at first.

We often hear about groups like the IT Cell of major political party and news channels such as Republik and Kudarshan, which openly push their own agendas of hate. But there are also people in other groups who hide behind roles like fact-checkers or human rights advocates while still promoting hate. I wrote about this in my blog in November 2021, especially when there was a big fuss about the hate campaign against Indian cricketer Shami.

Now, let's talk about the main issue: the violence in Hadwani.

Harsh Mander wrote an article in Scroll where he asked questions about the government's role. Association of the protection of the Civil rights ( APCR) published a fact finding report on the Haldwani violence and put whole blame on the goverment and administration. With six people losing their lives in the violence, it's important to ask the right questions to the government, not just those that suit certain interests.

The entire incident revolves around the encroachment of structures, so let's begin with that. District Magistrate Vandana Singh stated that the property in question comprises two structures, neither of which is registered as a religious establishment or has received any official recognition as such. However, in their report, the APCR labeled these structures as a mosque and a madrasa. This raises the question: what motivation does the APCR have to classify these structures as religious when they lack legal recognition as such?

Let's delve into the second question: Is the District Administration responsible for the violence, as portrayed in many media headlines? On the day of the incident, District Magistrate Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Meena addressed the press, presenting video evidence suggesting that the violent events were premeditated. What evidence and arguments do Harsh Mander and media organizations have to refute the claims made by the District Magistrate? If they possess any such evidence, they should make it public.

Now let's address the third point. The shoot-at-sight orders were not issued in relation to the demolition drive for encroachments. Instead, they were issued when a mob attacked police personnel. District Magistrate Singh clarified that the mob attempted to set fire to the police personnel who were trapped inside the police station. Therefore, the decision to open fire was not unprovoked. If the firing orders had been issued against peaceful protesters, then criticism of the government would be warranted. However, the firing was carried out in self-defense to disperse a mob attempting to set police personnel on fire. Nevertheless, the loss of innocent lives in the fire remains unjustifiable.

For vultures, tragic accidents like this serve as sustenance. As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I want to reiterate the point here. For journalists focusing on the environment, cyclones or forest fires are considered significant news. Similarly, for sports journalists, controversies involving cricketers make headlines. In the media landscape, there are many who rely heavily on communal themes for their livelihood. They tend to polarize events and shape narratives to suit their agendas. It is crucial for Indian citizens to recognize these trends and the individuals perpetuating them.

On Twitter, the hashtag #ArrestVandanaSingh trended on February 17th. In response, #ISupportVandanaSingh emerged within minutes. However, many of those tweeting under these hashtags do not necessarily sympathize with the victims or support District Magistrate Singh. Instead, both groups seem to be advancing their own agendas. In the midst of this polarization, the fundamental question seems to have been obscured.

Where is Abdul Malik, the alleged mastermind behind the violence? The pertinent question for the administration is when they will apprehend Malik and bring him to trial. How long will it take for the administration and government to prove the allegations against him?

As District Magistrate Singh clarified, the violence is not of a communal nature, a crucial point to comprehend. Unfortunately, most media outlets have failed to grasp the true essence of the violence. As the saying goes in Hindi, "Dange hote nahi, karavaye jate hai" (Riots do not happen, they are orchestrated). A local news portal aptly encapsulates this sentiment in its headline:- "Haldwani: City Burns Amidst Battle Between Land Mafia and Administration"