An initial probe into the alleged migration of Hindus from Kairana in Shamli district of western Uttar Pradesh under "jihadist threats" has revealed that among the list of names submitted by a Bharatiya Janata Party MP, are of those who are still living in the town, have died 20 years ago or have moved for better opportunities, a report in the Indian Express stated.
"Four persons named in the list died around 20 years back, 13 people were found staying at home, and 68 had left Kairana several years ago for better life. The process of verifying other names is still on,” the paper quoted Shamli SP Vijay Bhushan as saying.
The Shamli District Magistrate has asked the SDM and Circle Officer to probe into the allegations that "jihadi elements" had forced the migration of Hindus from there. They have been asked to verify the list of 346 families handed over by local MP Hukum Singh, who have allegedly migrated.
BJP President Amit Shah had attacked the Samajwadi Party government at a recent rally over the atmosphere of violence in the state, citing recent Mathura clashes and migration of Hindus.
Teams headed a tehsildar-rank officer will go for door-to-door inspection in Kairana, according to the Express report.
Singh has alleged that 346 families have been forced to flee the town, which has 85 per cent of Muslim population. The state governments action came after VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jains today said, "Jihadis are being encouraged to carry out their activities...VHP calls upon the state government to rein in jihadi elements who are responsible for this exodus and tighten law and order in the state."
He termed the migration of Hindus from Kairana as "unfortunate" and said the township, which was a Hindu majority 40 years ago, now has only eight per cent Hindus left.
Sharma said further details will be known only after the report is received from the district officials.
Last week, National Human Rights Commission had issued a notice to the UP government in this regard. While observing that the allegations made were serious in nature, the NHRC also directed the states DIG (Investigation) to depute a team of officers for a spot enquiry in the matter covering all the allegations made in the complaint and submit a report within two weeks.
(With inputs from PTI)