Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In a significant move, the Haryana government has initiated a series of actions against gram panchayats and sarpanches that passed resolutions or wrote letters restricting the entry of Muslims into their villages. This development comes in the wake of the communal violence that erupted in Nuh on July 31, prompting concerns over potential tensions in other areas.
Under the provisions of Section 51 of the Haryana Gram Panchayati Raj Act, which deals with the suspension and removal of sarpanches and panchayat members, several gram panchayats and their respective sarpanches have been issued showcause notices by district authorities. These notices require the concerned parties to provide explanations for their actions.
Confirming the government’s stance on the matter, Mohd. Imran Raza, Deputy Commissioner of Rewari, stated, “We have taken administrative action against the gram panchayats and issued showcause notices to them. They shall send their replies, which will be examined. Further action shall be taken after examining the replies that they submit.” However, it remains unclear whether FIRs have been registered against any of the panchayats or sarpanches involved.
In response to this controversy, senior officials from the Haryana government emphasized their commitment to maintaining communal harmony and warned of stringent action against anyone attempting to disrupt it. They stressed that the law would be applied judiciously to address the issue effectively.
The recent development has sparked discussions across the state, raising questions about the balance between individual freedoms and collective responsibility within local governance. While some sarpanches defended their actions, claiming that the resolutions were aimed at addressing concerns related to street vendors and animal thefts, others have criticized the measures as discriminatory and divisive.
Speaking about the matter, Haryana Development and Panchayat Minister Devender Singh Babli stated, “Such acts are not permissible under the law. I have given clear instructions to the district administrations of all such places that strict action shall be taken against those indulging in issuing such diktats.”
As the situation unfolds, there is a growing anticipation for the responses from the gram panchayats and sarpanches who have been issued showcause notices. The outcome of this situation is likely to have implications not only for the affected villages but also for the broader discourse surrounding communal harmony and governance in the region. The government’s decisive actions signal its determination to address the matter effectively and ensure that the principles of equality and harmony are upheld in Haryana’s diverse communities.
