The Kasganj violence was brought about by clashes between Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, BJP student wing and a separate group in Badu Nagar. The Badu agar group was opposed to some slogans the BJP youth student wing was chanting, therefore, confronted the BJP youth wing with violence. The ABVP bike rally propped to celebrate Republic Day on Friday was also banned by the authorities.
Following the violence in Kasganj on Saturday, Surya Pratap Shahi, Uttar Pradesh’s Agriculture Minister commented on Monday saying that the clashes were just a minor incident. His comment solicited a lot of criticism that has forced him to clarify his sentiments on the matter.
Clarified Statement
In a statement the Agriculture Minister made to the press on Tuesday, he clarified that his Monday statement was taken out of context. What he meant to say was that when compared to the clashes in Kashmir, the Kasganj violence is regarded as a ‘minor incident.’ He said that the violence in Kasganj was equally a big issue but cannot be compared to Kashmir.
When speaking to ANI reports, the Minister reiterated that Kasganj violence was equally a big matter for the district but does not compare to what is happening in the valley. He added that the government takes the issue seriously and would take care of it.
So far, scores have been arrested by police for perpetrating violence and damage to property. Shahi stated that action would be taken against them as they were not permitted to indulge in such activities.
Analysis of Shahi’s Statement
The Minister’s statement yesterday that the violence was a small incident and it had claimed only two lives evidently downplays the Kasganj violence which has resulted in two deaths and damage to property.
The Minister must have received a lot of criticism on his statement as imagined, the interpretation of a minor incident would be that its effects were not dire. It meant that the death and damages meant nothing hence his clarification of the Monday statement.
Extent of Damage in Kasganj Violence
Chandan Gupta died and two other people were injured during the violence. Perpetrators of the violence torched three shops and five buses. One of the shops belonged to a Muslim shopkeeper who claimed he was targeted. A farmhouse was also vandalized.
Internet services were suspended but have since been restored.
