RAJSAMAND: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President and senior advocate Alok Kumar has expressed concern over a series of violent incidents involving Hindu victims, arguing that such cases reflect a deeper challenge posed by religious extremism and radicalization.
Addressing a press conference in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district on Tuesday, Kumar referred to several recent incidents, including the killing of a Hindu teenager in Ghaziabad, a murder reported in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar area, an attack on a student in Udaipur, and the 2022 killing of Umesh Kolhe in Maharashtra. He said these events should not be viewed as isolated crimes but as incidents that require broader social and legal scrutiny.
According to Kumar, the killing of 17-year-old Surya Chauhan in Ghaziabad’s Khoda area on May 28, reportedly after being invited by acquaintances during Eid celebrations, has raised serious concerns. He also cited the death of a youth named Tarun during Holi-related violence in Delhi and the attack on student Devaraj in a school premises in Udaipur.
The VHP leader stated that attacks allegedly targeting individuals because of their religious identity threaten social harmony and public confidence. He argued that growing intolerance and violent extremism must be confronted through coordinated efforts by governments, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
Kumar said that violence inspired by radical ideologies has no place in a modern democratic society and warned against treating such incidents solely as law-and-order issues. He maintained that extremist thinking poses a wider challenge to social stability and national unity.
He also criticized what he described as selective responses to acts of violence, questioning why certain groups, activists, and political organizations remain silent in cases where members of the Hindu community are victims. According to him, such selective reactions can undermine public trust and weaken efforts to address extremism.
Calling for a united stand against radicalization, Alok Kumar urged religious leaders, social organizations, and policymakers to openly condemn all forms of violence and intolerance. He warned that any leniency toward extremist ideologies could contribute to future incidents and deepen social divisions.
The VHP chief also appealed to members of the Hindu community to remain organized, vigilant, and committed to lawful self-protection. He emphasized that maintaining peace and communal harmony requires holding both perpetrators and those who allegedly justify or ignore violence accountable.
During the press conference, Alok Kumar additionally called on the Rajasthan government to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state within the current year. He argued that a common legal framework for personal laws would strengthen equality and legal consistency.
He further urged the Central Government to review and amend existing Presidential Orders concerning Scheduled Tribe status. Kumar said individuals who have converted from tribal communities to other religions should not continue to receive benefits reserved for Scheduled Tribes, a position that has been debated in policy and legal circles.
The remarks come amid ongoing national discussions on communal harmony, religious freedom, affirmative action policies, and the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in various states. Kumar said addressing extremism and ensuring equal application of laws remain essential for preserving social cohesion and national development.
