Relatives mourn Mohammad Mudasir, 31, who was killed in rioting in Delhi. Photograph: Manish Swarup/AP
Karwan-e-Mohabbat, a people’s campaign for a just and humane world, organized a memorial tribute in New Delhi to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the 2020 Delhi communal riots. The event, attended by families of riot victims, survivors, civil society representatives, human rights activists, and students, provided a platform for reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment to justice. Notable attendees included Senior Advocates Prashant Bhushan, CU Singh, and Sayeeda Hameed.
During the panel discussions, speakers highlighted the continuous struggles for adequate compensation and legal support, emphasizing systemic shortcomings in addressing the needs of victims and survivors. Documentaries such as “Mazab Nahi Sikhata” by Sandeep Yadav and “Hospital Friends” by Minal Saeed Khan were screened, depicting the stories of riot victims and survivors.
In his opening remarks, Harsh Mander expressed solidarity with the affected communities, emphasizing the importance of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Participants shared harrowing accounts of neglect and mistreatment during the riots, underscoring the urgent need for action from the administration and institutional support.
During the first panel discussion, chaired by Devika Prasad, speakers Akanksha Rao, Tarannum, Swati Draik, Gufran Alam, and Dilshad Abbasi shed light on the failure of state authorities to provide adequate compensation and relief to victims. They emphasized the enduring wait for justice among survivors and the pressing need for reparation from the Claims Commission established four years ago.
In the second panel, chaired by Advocate Suroor Mander, advocates Mishika Singh, Saif Ul Islam, and Mohammad Mobbashir Aneeq discussed the challenges in legal proceedings, highlighting the lack of real progress. They stressed the moral obligation of the government to compensate the victims and highlighted ambiguities in the compensation scheme, exacerbated by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Survivors on the panel recalled the long-lasting impact of the riots and the lack of support from authorities during the crisis. Despite the short duration of the riots, the adverse effects were profound, with instances of mental torture and physical violence recounted.
Speakers expressed disappointment with the lack of substantial action from both the Delhi and Central governments in reaching out to victims and providing adequate compensation. They criticized the attitudes of police and administrations toward victims and survivors and noted the unsupportive role of government hospitals compared to private institutions. However, amidst despair, speakers urged maintaining confidence and hope and emphasized the importance of collective action to ensure justice for all in the coming days.