Tag: Udaipur Kanhaiyalal Murder

‘Radicalisation Of Muslim Youth Must Stop At Any Cost’

By LokMarg

Liyaquat Amar, 70, is the president of Bohra Youth community in Udaipur. Amar feels it is the duty of every progressive Muslim to work against radicalisation of youth. His views:

First and foremost, there cannot be any whataboutry over the gruesome killing of Kanhaiyalal. This was an act of religious fanaticism. Period. Ours has been a very peaceful city. But this incident has shocked me beyond words. I am yet to come to terms with the fact that some people amongst us got so radicalised that they not only killed an innocent but were also boastful about it on camera – all in the name of Islam.

One may criticize Nupur Sharma for her statement against the Prophet; or may argue with those who supported her statement. But killing somebody for it will be the biggest disservice to Islam itself. Islam says that killing of an innocent is equal to killing the entire mankind itself. There is no place for such religious violence in any civilised nation.

I have little doubt in my mind that the killers will get the maximum punishment for the crime they have committed. But the larger issue is radicalisation of our youth. This religious fanaticism must stop at any cost. I therefore appeal to all liberal and progressive people from Muslim community to come forward and join hands against radicalisation of our country’s youth.

There are several enemies of India across the borders and they will leave no stone unturned in creating rift among the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and other communities of India. We have to be watchful of our men lest they fall in wrong hands. For the sake of the future of this country and the youth, we need to stem religious extremism as soon as possible.

ALSO READ: Victims of Religious Violence Are Always From Poorer Section

I belong to Bohra Youth, a reformatory movement in Dawoodi Bohra sect of Islam, and feel that every belief system needs reforms not radicalisation. Bohra Youth community has set many precedents that are progressive, liberal and reformist. All this in spite of facing a number of backlashes from the traditional Bohra community.

The old school Bohras do not allow us even inside their mosques but it has not bothered us as we have concentrated on a liberal, progressive society. We never compromised with our ethos. Our sons and daughters are encouraged to study as much as they want and do business as well. We are now a thriving community in Udaipur. Such kind of progressiveness is required across the country.

Every Indian citizen is bound to the Constitution of India and laws of the land. But above all, we are all bound by the law of humanity too. It is the only country on the planet with beautiful cultural diversity, it is sad that some people want to destroy it, but people like us will protect it till our last breath.

As told to Deepti Sharma

‘Udaipur Incident A Result of Policing & Local Intelligence Failure’

By LokMarg

Former IPS Amitabh Thakur, while condemning the Udaipur beheading incident, says it shows a complete lack of foresight by local police in taking preventive action

There has been all-round condemnation of the gruesome killing of Kanhaiyalal in Udaipur. There is also anger among people over the ISIS-style beheading and posting of its video on social media. However, the incident should not be used as a pretext to further vitiate the environment. An active role of local administration and state government is of importance. There were severe lapses that resulted in the incident and we must draw lessons from it.

First, there was a clear lack of foresight or judgment on part of local police. If, according to media reports, the criminals had issued a threat some time ago on social media and had also attacked him, why was any action not taken? Were they waiting for something to happen? Media reports indicate that Kanhaiyalal, the victim, was also attacked a few days ago, but instead of acting on his written complaint, the police merely played ‘middleman’ to sort out and hush up the matter.

Second, there was failure of local intelligence on part of the district administration and Udaipur police. For, one of the perpetrators had visited Pakistan lately and mentioned in a phone call about something spectacular to happen in Udaipur.

Although the police were quick to nab the criminals, this does not omit their incompetency in taking pre-emptive action. Were they sleeping or waiting for the matter to blow out of proportion. Part of policing involves stopping the crime to happen, not just chasing criminals after the unlawful act.

ALSO READ: ‘Religious Gurus Must Foster Harmony, Not Discord’

Here, I shall like to point out the swiftness of the Uttar Pradesh Police when it comes to preventing hate crimes. They are hyperactive and watchful on social media to foresee any attempt to poison the atmosphere. I bet you post something communally sensitive and you will find UP Police at your doorstep soon enough to mend your mentality.

Another issue here is religion and social sensitivity. How can a social media post hurt someone’s sentiment so much that they will offer a bounty on someone’s head! This kind of mind-set and the design to spread hatred and violence in the name of religion are fatal to our country and society. The incident was a challenge to the system as the criminals were so arrogant that they issued death threats to the Prime Minister in a video after the killing.

We Indians are a country-loving community and we should not get carried away with inciting posts. Everyone is standing in support of Kanhaiyalal’s family and this is the reflection of our ethics and culture.

There can be no justification for violence in the name of religion and swift legal action must be taken to set a precedent. For this to happen, this matter should be dealt with a fast-track court and verdict must be delivered in under three months. The incident in Rajasthan should act as an eye-opener for the police and the government. They must shore up local intelligence and remain watchful to prevent a repeat incident of this nature.

As told to Rajat Rai