Concerns raised over discrimination, bulldozer actions, mob violence and attacks on religious institutions
NEW DELHI — A large protest demanding protection of religious freedom and the release of jailed Muslim and Christian youth was held at the district secretariat in Nuh, Haryana, on Wednesday under the banners of Bharat Mukti Morcha and Rashtriya Muslim Morcha.
The demonstration was part of what organisers described as a nationwide constitutional movement being conducted across several states and districts in the country.
Protesters gathered outside the district secretariat and raised slogans against the government while submitting a memorandum addressed to the President of India.
The organisations claimed that minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, are increasingly facing religious discrimination, hate-driven violence and attacks on their religious institutions in different parts of the country.
During the protest, speakers alleged that bulldozer actions against Muslim religious places and homes have become a growing concern and accused authorities of targeting minority communities in the name of illegal construction drives.
Protesters also expressed concern over incidents in which mobs allegedly attacked mosques, churches and other religious institutions.
One speaker at the protest said, “Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution. Every citizen has the right to practice and protect their faith without fear.”
Another protester said, “Innocent Muslim and Christian youth, including religious scholars, should be released from jail and false cases against them should be reviewed fairly.”
The organisations stated that the movement was being carried out peacefully and within constitutional limits in 31 states and 625 districts across India.
According to organisers, the purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness regarding constitutional rights and religious freedom protections guaranteed to all citizens.
In their memorandum, the protesters demanded strict implementation of Articles 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 of the Indian Constitution, which relate to freedom of religion, management of religious affairs and protection of minority rights.
The memorandum also called for the withdrawal of laws and policies which the organisations described as unconstitutional and discriminatory towards minorities.
Demonstrators further demanded action against mob killings allegedly carried out in the name of cow slaughter allegations.
One activist said, “People are being attacked and killed merely on suspicion. Such incidents are damaging the rule of law and creating fear among minorities.”
The protesters also demanded implementation of recommendations made by the Gopal Singh Committee, Sachar Committee, Mishra Commission and Kundu Committee, all of which studied the social, educational and economic conditions of minorities in India.
Community leaders said many recommendations related to education, employment and representation of Muslims and other minorities remain incomplete even years after the reports were submitted.
During the demonstration, organisers repeatedly stated that their protest was peaceful, democratic and constitutional.
A representative of the movement said, “We are not against any community. We are only demanding justice, constitutional rights and equal protection under the law.”
Security arrangements remained tight around the district secretariat during the protest, with police personnel deployed in large numbers to maintain order.
Officials monitored the gathering as protesters marched, raised slogans and submitted the memorandum before ending the programme peacefully.
The protest in Nuh comes at a time when debates around minority rights, religious freedom, bulldozer actions and communal violence continue to dominate political and social discussions in several parts of India.
Nuh district itself has witnessed communal tension in recent years, making issues related to religious identity and state action especially sensitive in the region.
Human rights activists and minority organisations have repeatedly argued that fear and insecurity among Muslims and Christians are increasing due to hate speech, mob violence and selective administrative action.
Government supporters, however, maintain that all actions are being taken according to law and deny allegations of discrimination against any religious community.
For protesters gathered in Nuh on Wednesday, however, the message remained focused on one demand — that constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equal citizenship must be protected for every community without discrimination.
