AFTER all, “who benefits from communal violence", was the question from a 10-year-old girl, Ilma, whose only earning elder brother was a victim of communal violence in North-East Delhi two years ago. Justice still evades the victims of the communal violence in North-East Delhi even after two years. The CPI(M) Delhi state committee along with the families of the victims staged a sit-in at Jantar Mantar on February 26, precisely demanding the same. Ten representatives of the families of the victims narrated their ordeal and said that even today they have not been able to overcome their fear. Some families have been left with no earning member and are thus faced with a livelihood crisis.

Addressing the dharna, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat explained how even after two years in many cases even the basic investigation has not been done and charge-sheets have not been filed. No action has been taken against a single policeman for their role in the communal violence. Delhi Police, it appears is on a mission to save the criminals. On the other hand many young and innocent anti-CAA activists have been imprisoned under the draconian UAPA. She added that along with compensation, rehabilitation and livelihood of the affected families needs to be taken care of. Expressing solidarity with the families of the victims, she said that the only option is to fight for justice by taking to the streets.

The dharna was also addressed by the families of the victims of the fake encounter at Loni, Ghaziabad. This was done at the behest of the BJP MLA. They said that instead of taking action against the criminals, innocent daily wage labourers are being implicated and jailed.