Despite all efforts, using military operations to eradicate the
growing extremism from the society, it seems the targeted objective
would not be achieved until all the elements of the society would not
contribute for making this nation a tolerant one. Another incident of
mob terrorism have surfaced as people took the law into its own hands in
the name of religion in Kot Radha Kishan, a Christian couple have been
beaten to death by an angry crowd after being accused of desecrating
Quran and their bodies were burned at the brick kiln where they worked.
Putting a glance on the previous such incidents it is evident that
minority community becoming an easy target for members of the dominant
faith. The incident has brought the shame to us as a nation not
protecting minorities and news became viral world wide. Although an
inquiry has been ordered as it usually happens in such cases, without
offering any guarantees or generating any hope that the guilty will be
brought to justice this time. There have been condemnatory statements
issued by various groups and individuals, including the prime minister.
Once again the vulnerability of our religious minorities to the law and
society is the topic of discussion. Would this incident become a turning
point in providing the rights to the less powerful minorities or they
would be kept killed under the guise of religion without providing them
an opportunity to clarify the allegations. If the law makers and
politicians in the corridors of parliament are motivated to amend the
laws then brutal killing of Shama and Shehzad should be enough such
incidents for the stimulation to tighten the screws against violent mob.
Although chances seem bleak that culprits would be brought to justice
but grass rout level measures must be taken to put a full stop on mob
terrorism.
According to the human right organizations it appears that the murdered man, Shehzad, had a dispute over wages, or recovery of advance that the kiln owner had extended to two families of Muslim laborers who had escaped. The kiln owners had asked Shehzad to repay the amount extended to the escaped families because he had introduced them to the owners. It appears that Shehzad and Shama, his wife, had been severely beaten up at the kiln and locked up in a room. Some witnesses say that Shehzad had died in the beating. Shortly afterwards, when word of alleged desecration was spread to nearby villages and announcements made through mosque loudspeakers, a mob of hundreds headed towards the kiln. Meanwhile, four policemen at a nearby post visited the kiln and demanded that the couple should be handed over to them otherwise they would be killed by the mob that was headed that way.
The inability of the police to rescue the couple despite reaching the site is stark evidence of the state’s vanishing writ. The individuals, whether at the kiln or in nearby villages, who instigated violence against the victims, and those who prevented their rescue must be brought to justice. The religious belief of the victims also apparently did not work in their favour. The exploitation of kiln workers is an essential part of the context of the tragic killing and this incident should lead to accelerated efforts to ensure that slavery-like practices that continue despite a promise in the constitution cease without further delay.
The mob, should be apprehended, tried and brought to justice for taking the reigns of law into their own hands. These self-appointed enforcers of the law should be made an example of. Majority of the cases have occurred due to personal grievances. If Justice had been provided to the people right in the in beginning there would have been no repeations.
Clerics must take a stand and explain to the public the true message of Islam in accordance of the teachings of the holy Quran and hadith. Seminars must be organized to educate the people about this tolerance and religious harmony. Each City/ Town must have designated religious leaders, who should be authorised for taking any action or registration of FIR against the culprits. Most of these incidents happen due to lack of information and knowledge of the common people teachers, media men and religious leaders should teach the people for tolerance. On the other side politicians must realize that they have failed to fulfill their due responsibilities. Instead, what the rulers have done is to instruct the police to investigate a territory which the law enforcers are unequipped to handle and too scared to venture into. What is needed is leadership, not just statements, from the top. It is the not the first incident of its kind, it has happened in the past with the minorities, houses got burnt, people were put on fire alive, whole colony devastated. But it seems law enforcement agencies and law makers are not fulfilling their duties to provide security to the masses.
According to the human right organizations it appears that the murdered man, Shehzad, had a dispute over wages, or recovery of advance that the kiln owner had extended to two families of Muslim laborers who had escaped. The kiln owners had asked Shehzad to repay the amount extended to the escaped families because he had introduced them to the owners. It appears that Shehzad and Shama, his wife, had been severely beaten up at the kiln and locked up in a room. Some witnesses say that Shehzad had died in the beating. Shortly afterwards, when word of alleged desecration was spread to nearby villages and announcements made through mosque loudspeakers, a mob of hundreds headed towards the kiln. Meanwhile, four policemen at a nearby post visited the kiln and demanded that the couple should be handed over to them otherwise they would be killed by the mob that was headed that way.
The inability of the police to rescue the couple despite reaching the site is stark evidence of the state’s vanishing writ. The individuals, whether at the kiln or in nearby villages, who instigated violence against the victims, and those who prevented their rescue must be brought to justice. The religious belief of the victims also apparently did not work in their favour. The exploitation of kiln workers is an essential part of the context of the tragic killing and this incident should lead to accelerated efforts to ensure that slavery-like practices that continue despite a promise in the constitution cease without further delay.
The mob, should be apprehended, tried and brought to justice for taking the reigns of law into their own hands. These self-appointed enforcers of the law should be made an example of. Majority of the cases have occurred due to personal grievances. If Justice had been provided to the people right in the in beginning there would have been no repeations.
Clerics must take a stand and explain to the public the true message of Islam in accordance of the teachings of the holy Quran and hadith. Seminars must be organized to educate the people about this tolerance and religious harmony. Each City/ Town must have designated religious leaders, who should be authorised for taking any action or registration of FIR against the culprits. Most of these incidents happen due to lack of information and knowledge of the common people teachers, media men and religious leaders should teach the people for tolerance. On the other side politicians must realize that they have failed to fulfill their due responsibilities. Instead, what the rulers have done is to instruct the police to investigate a territory which the law enforcers are unequipped to handle and too scared to venture into. What is needed is leadership, not just statements, from the top. It is the not the first incident of its kind, it has happened in the past with the minorities, houses got burnt, people were put on fire alive, whole colony devastated. But it seems law enforcement agencies and law makers are not fulfilling their duties to provide security to the masses.
