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State of Unrest

CIVIL VIOLENCE

THE FIRE WITHIN

A single spark of hate can burn down a city. Civil Violence—riots, mob lynchings, and communal clashes—tears the fabric of society apart. It turns neighbors into enemies and streets into battlegrounds.

Fueled by misinformation and political polarization, thousands of lives are lost to senseless rage. When the smoke clears, only ash and regret remain.

RESTORE PEACE →IMPACT REPORT

Part 2: The Damage

The Cost of Chaos

Analyzing NCRB Data (Riots & Unlawful Assembly)

37K

Riot Cases (2022)

NCRB Official Data

₹500Cr

Property Loss

Public & Private Assets

72%

Trigger: Rumors

Fake News on Social Media

24hrs

Critical Window

To Contain Violence

The Anatomy of a Riot

Civil violence is rarely spontaneous. It is often engineered. A small incident—a traffic dispute, a social media post, or a religious procession—is amplified by "Agents of Chaos" who benefit from polarization.

Who Suffers Most?

Small Businesses: Daily wage earners and shopkeepers lose their livelihood instantly when curfews are imposed.
Women & Children: They become the primary victims of displacement and targeted abuse during mob violence.
The Economy: Foreign investment halts. Tourism collapses. A city branded as "unsafe" takes a decade to recover trust.

DETECTING UNREST...

Impact Assessment

Social Trust ErosionIrreversible

Neighbors stop trusting neighbors.

Physical InjuriesHigh Severity

Burns, blunt force trauma, and mob beatings.

Psychological ScarringChronic

PTSD affects entire communities for generations.

"A riot burns down a market in one night, but it burns down the future for twenty years."

Part 3: The Law

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023

The legal code replacing the IPC. Stronger definitions for mob crimes.

BNS Section 191

Rioting

"When force or violence is used by an unlawful assembly, or by any member thereof, in prosecution of the common object of such assembly, every member... is guilty of rioting."

Up to 2 Years Jail + Fine

BNS Section 189

Unlawful Assembly

"An assembly of five or more persons... if the common object is to overawe by criminal force... or to commit any mischief or criminal trespass."

6 Months Jail + Fine

Key Legal Provisions

BNS Section 196 (Hate Speech)

Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, or residence is a serious offence punishable by 3 years jail.

BNS Section 197 (National Integration)

Imputations or assertions prejudicial to national integration can lead to 5 years imprisonment.

Public Property Damage Act

Burning buses or smashing shops forces the perpetrators to pay for the damage (Recovery of Damages).

Part 4: The Triggers

Why Does It Persist?

Misinformation

Fake videos on WhatsApp spread faster than truth. Edited clips are used to provoke anger before authorities can verify facts.

Polarization

Communities are becoming "Silos." Lack of interaction between groups breeds suspicion and makes dehumanization easy.

Delayed Justice

Riot cases from decades ago are still pending. When perpetrators are not punished, impunity grows, encouraging future violence.

Economic Inequality

Unemployed youth are easy targets for recruitment by riot instigators who pay them small sums to throw stones.

Political Gain

Riots often precede elections. Polarization consolidates vote banks, making violence a strategic tool for power.

YOUR ROLE

Refusing to forward unverified messages and maintaining friendships across communities is the biggest act of resistance.

Part 5: The Response

BRAC PEACE PROTOCOL

Our integrated strategy to cool tempers and rebuild trust.

1. Conflict Mapping & Prevention

Identifying hotspots before they ignite.

• Mohalla Committees: Creating local peace teams of elders from all groups.

• Rumor Busting: Digital cells to verify and debunk fake news instantly.

• Early Warning: Reporting tension signs to local police.

2. Crisis Response

Immediate aid during violence.

• Safe Passages: Escorting trapped families to safe zones.

• Emergency Medical: Ambulances for the injured, irrespective of side.

• Legal Observers: Documenting police action/inaction.

3. Rehabilitation

Rebuilding what was burnt.

• Livelihood Restoration: Replacing burnt carts/shops for vendors.

• Housing Repair: Grants to fix damaged homes.

• Compensation Aid: Helping victims file government claims.

4. Legal Justice

Fighting for accountability.

• PILs: Filing Public Interest Litigations for fair investigation.

• Bail Support: Legal aid for innocent youth wrongly arrested.

5. Long-term Harmony

Weaving the social fabric back together.

• Interfaith Dialogue: Regular community meetings.

• Youth Camps: Sports and arts to bond youth across lines.

Part 6: The Outcome

Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice and understanding.

Restored Trust

Communities learn to rely on each other again, reducing future conflict risk.

Safe Markets

Shops reopen without fear, restoring local economies and daily wages.

Rule of Law

Faith in the justice system is rebuilt when perpetrators face consequences.

ACTIVATE PEACE

Select your Impact Level.
Donations support verified beneficiaries and the systems that help ensure assistance is delivered safely, transparently, and effectively.

IMPACT LEVEL 1

₹1,000

Provides 1 week of ration for a family displaced by riots.

RECOMMENDED

IMPACT LEVEL 2

₹10,000

Restocks a small street vendor's shop destroyed in violence.

IMPACT LEVEL 3

₹50,000

Funds a "Peace Committee" in a high-risk zone for 6 months.

Tax Deductible under Section 80G.

Transparency: Ensured through donation receipts and periodic disclosures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines a "Riot"?

Under Section 191 of BNS, if an unlawful assembly of 5 or more people uses force or violence to achieve a common object, every member is guilty of rioting.

Can I use self-defense during a riot?

Yes. BNS Section 38 (Right of Private Defense) allows you to use force, even causing death, if there is a reasonable apprehension of death or grievous hurt from a mob.

How does the government compensate victims?

State governments usually announce ex-gratia relief for death or injury. BRAC helps victims file claims and navigate the paperwork to receive this aid.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. BRAC is registered under Section 80G. You will receive a tax exemption certificate via email within 7 days.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws may vary by location. BRAC is not responsible for errors, omissions, or consequences arising from its use. BRAC® is a registered trademark. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in