THE lynching of an elderly Muslim in Uttar Pradesh State of India in the outskirt of Delhi on suspicion of slaughtering a cow and eating its meat has raised new debate on the religious rights of the Muslims and other minorities living in India. It appears that the lynching of the man took place in the hands of a mob in his village home on September 28 immediately after the Eid-ul-Azha when rumours circulated that he had killed a cow and ate its meat. The incident has sparked nationwide debate as the horrors struck the people at home and abroad. It appears that the matter has moved the nation’s conscience, except those adhering to communal politics. President Pranab Mukherjee in a rare televised speech from the President’s Palace on Wednesday called upon the nation to defend the country’s tradition of tolerance. He said killing of human beings on whatever cause is not justifiable, Celebrated Indian writer Nayantara, a niece of India’s first Prime Minister Jawharlal Nehru has returned her Academy Award on literature to protest the degradation of human values and helplessness of the religious minorities in India. But BJP government seems to be rather supportive to the act. Meanwhile, some of its ministers and lawmakers made statements seemingly in defense of the Hindu mob that killed the man. Many believe that the quality of Indian democracy is losing ground to the hands of religious fanatics. But we are hopeful Indian people and sensible leaders will not allow that to happen. Some suspect that India has turned into a place less safe for the minorities on arrival of the BJP government, which won the election on a political platform closely tied to ultra-religious groups. Intolerance and communal sensitivities have escalated to a new height in India in the changed situation. They have already killed at least half a dozen Hindu free thinkers who raised questions on some aspects of traditional religious belief. It is a great hope for Indian people that there are powerful forces to speak up and protest against religious extremism. The cows are killed all over India as well as the outside world for use as meat. Those who are responsible for the murder of the Muslim under the excuse of killing a cow must be motivated by hatred against the Muslims. They need right message for them to understand that Indian people will not tolerate them for keeping India united, peaceful and honourable. Media reports said India is the world’s largest exporter of meat and the fifth biggest consumer and yet Narendra Modi’s government wants a nationwide ban on cow slaughtering and beef trade. It suggests beef export is going on unabated but when it comes in the domestic sector Indian Muslims often feel threatened. We hold the view that by imposing ban on cow export to Bangladesh the Indian government sent a wrong message. Such a sweeping discriminatory decision was uncalled for because of continued smuggling of cows to Bangladesh.
