After weeks of silence, goaded by opposition criticism of his silence over the brutal murder of a Muslim man on rumours that he had slaughtered a calf and stored the meat in his house, the PM, Narendra Modi has spoken out. But it appears to be a case of too little, too late.
On 14 October, he finally spoken out on the ghastly mob killing. He said it was unfortunate and made him feel sad. But is that all, Mr PM? What about the circulation of a rumour in the local temple that started it all? Is this not condemnable? And hardly had the rumour begun, then a mob of over hundred goons gathered in no time and rushed with one accord to the house of the victim, Mohd Acklaq.
On finding meat in the fridge they began beating Acklaq and his younger son Danish. By the time the police arrived, it was too late. Mohd Acklaq was dead, lynched by the blood-thirsty mob and severely injured his son. Reports indicate that of the several arrested, some belong to BJP.
A few days later, a dead cow was seen being skinned by four men near Agra, UP. Again the rumour mills became active and within minutes a mob of about 500 goons gathered and headed towards the site. On the way, they began burning and torching Muslim shops. On hearing of the mob advancing towards them, the four men tried to escape. However two were caught and beaten. Fortunately, the police arrived just in time. Otherwise, more lynchings would have occurred. Later it transpired that a Hindu farmer had sold the dead cow to the four men.
Are these just unfortunate incidents, or is there a pattern behind them? It was the PM’s duty and responsibility to speak out against the hate campaign that is gathering pace. But he sleeps over the matter and finally when he does speak, he only adds insult to injury. But what prevents him from openly condemning the ghastly murder and calling for justice for the victim? Is it because the victim is a Muslim and the prime suspects who charged up the mob allegedly belong to the Sangh Parivar?
The PM, Narendra Modi waxes eloquent on any and every matter. But when it comes to such incidents where needle of suspicion is pointing at his comrades in arms, he strangely goes silent. He must realise that he is the PM of India and not just a party or faction leader. And he must rein in the fanatics from his side before they tear the fabric of a pluralistic and united India. a land of diversity but one nation.
He must realize that if swift and stern action is not taken to stamp out intolerance and hate, India would well end up as the casualty. It’s time to take off the kid gloves and act against those who want to end the dream of an India that Gandhi and freedom fighters fought for. An India united in diversity.
