Shameful is too mild a word for the call for genocide and the outrageous, incendiary hate speeches delivered at a conclave of Hindu religious leaders in Haridwar. A line has been crossed, and nothing short of employing the full force of the law of the land would suffice to uphold the Constitution, and all that the nation stands for. Where exemplary action was required, the reluctance shown by the Uttarakhand police is no less disturbing than the offensive and inflammatory themes that marked the proceedings of the gathering. Where outright condemnation was required from the highest levels of leadership, the silence sends out a message that doesn’t inspire confidence.
Every government of the day is cognisant of the capacity of the fringe to manufacture extreme viewpoints, but what any public display or extrapolation of such a rabid thought process would result in is made known to it in no uncertain terms too. For the past several years, however, the patronage to the communal rabble-rousers has not been hidden. A hate propaganda that feeds on imaginary fears has been encouraged to flourish, right under the nose of the law and order machinery. The outcome is the audacious and shocking videos from the controversial event, where the speakers advocated a call to arms against the minorities and outdid each other in spewing venom.
Allowing these offenders, with a track record of provocative speeches, to get away with open incitement to violence and hatred would amount to a tacit approval, and only embolden the likes of them. Nothing could be more despicable. Strictest action against those who incite violence is what the law calls for, and what is expected. Hate and sectarian tendencies cannot be allowed to win. For the police, showing more resolve should be a matter of priority, especially when they do not think twice before invoking serious charges against a comedian or a satirist.
This story first appeared on tribuneindia.com
