Civil society organisations and activists in Jharkhand have called upon state chief minister Champai Soren to address rising tensions aimed at disrupting communal harmony, particularly ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

In an open letter, nearly 100 social activists, students and civil society groups have highlighted concerns regarding the misuse of religious events for political gains. The letter, also sent via email to the chief minister’s official address, alleges that certain socio-political factions have been instigating unrest by hosting religious programmes and displaying religious symbols in public spaces. It accuses the groups of playing obscene and provocative songs during religious events, undermining social cohesion.

“People associated with some socio-political organizations are creating unrest and disturbing social harmony by behaving contrary to the spirit of secularism to provide political gains to a particular party. Religious programs are being organized continuously at public places in the cities, blocks, villages and towns of the state and religious flags, banners and symbols are being installed in public places, roads, electricity poles, mobile towers, government offices, police stations, police and paramilitary forces camps etc,” it states.

Specifically, the activists point out the widespread display of religious flags and banners, particularly following a religious programme on January 22, where flags of a specific religion remained prominently displayed across Jharkhand, even through Republic Day.

The letter calls for the prompt removal of religious symbols from public spaces within 48 hours after religious events and advocates for strict adherence to the Supreme Court directives, including the lodging of FIRs for hate speeches.

This plea comes on the heels of activists’ previous demands to the Jharkhand chief secretary for the removal of religious flags erected earlier in January. However, attempts to reach the chief secretary for comment remained unanswered at the time
of reporting.