Grassroots Organizations Unite in Mandi to Promote Communal Harmony Amid Rising Tensions.

Shimla:

In response to escalating communal tensions in Himachal Pradesh, various grassroots organizations convened in Mandi for a conference aimed at addressing communal harmony and opposing divisive forces. Key participants included the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Himachal Kisan Sabha, and the Democratic Women’s Committee, alongside several student and youth organizations.

The conference was chaired by prominent leaders such as Bhupender Singh from CITU, Kushal Bhardwaj of the Kisan Sabha, and Suresh Sarwal of the Youth Federation. Singh highlighted recent campaigns targeting a specific religious community under the pretext of opposing illegal construction in Shimla. He noted that these efforts have been fueled by communal organizations seeking to incite discord, despite the matter being sub judice.

Singh further emphasized the targeting of migrant workers in Himachal Pradesh, many of whom face harassment and challenges to their right to work, often based on their religious affiliations. He called for awareness campaigns to uphold the rights of all citizens, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Bhardwaj warned that certain so-called Hindu organizations, often linked to criminal backgrounds, are exacerbating communal tensions to distract from pressing economic issues such as inflation and unemployment. He stressed that this strategy threatens community unity and could lead to increased religious discord.

Sarwal raised concerns about the implications of communal strife on youth employment, while other participants, including Praveen Kumar from the Street Vendor Union, echoed the need for collective action against divisive elements.

The conference concluded with a unified commitment among attendees to stand against communalism and work towards fostering social harmony in the region.