At last PM Narendra Modi has spoken on the contentious issue of violence inflicted on Dalits and minorities. In a well crafted statement the PM, in no uncertain terms condemned, what is according to him the role of anti-social elements who supported by some extremists in the Hindu organizations have been unleashing criminal acts of mercilessly beating people on the pretext of protecting holy cows.
Again the PM in an emotional statement professed his love for Dalits brotheren and denounced all kinds of violence against them, exhorting the self appointed cow vigilantes to show respect to Dalits and protect them with the same zeal they show towards the cows.
Undoubtedly these statements of condemnation coming from the PM will certainly have tremendous impact upon the inhuman atrocities perpetuated against Dalits and minorities.
Now the two main questions are: whether the PM’s delayed statements are too late, as a result of which many people had to bear the brunt of uncontrolled violence inflicted against innocent victims? Next question is about the so-called anti-social or anti-minorities elements. Were they really acting on their own without the tacit support and encouragement from some of the powerful leaders belonging to certain Hindu organizations, who openly admitted to media, that they will go to any extent and adopt any methods to protect the cows? Hence the idea of simply calling the cow vigilantes as anti-social elements and asking the state governments to act tough only against them may not yield any desired results, unless and until the real leaders are taken to task and if needed put them behind the bars.
Finally if India has to develop and progress in the right manner this kind of mentality that sets the country on the path of confrontation, divides people on the basis of certain beliefs that forments hatred and spreads fear amongst various sections of Indian communities, will only take India back to the period of Dark Ages. Hence it’s very important for the political parties, social organizations and religious institutions to adopt a more positive and rational attitude.
