Stop Mob Violence and the Politics of Hate! Defend Secularism and Democratic Rights!-Hemant, Secretary, Devesh, President, AISA
We condemn the horrific lynching and killing of Ali Khan, Shahzad Ali, and Arbaaz in three separate incidents that took place within a span of five days. These brutal killings once again expose the deadly consequences of the atmosphere of communal hatred and impunity that has been systematically cultivated in the country.
Twenty-four-year-old Ali Khan from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, was lynched after a dispute over a train seat. Twenty-five-year-old Shahzad Ali from Bihar’s Siwan district was allegedly dragged from his home and beaten to death by a mob. Twenty-six-year-old Arbaaz was allegedly stabbed to death following a dispute over buying cigarettes. These incidents, though occurring in different places and under different circumstances, point to a disturbing pattern in which Muslim lives are increasingly rendered vulnerable to mob violence and hatred.
Over the last decade, the normalisation of communal rhetoric, the systematic demonisation of Muslims, and the silence of state institutions to ensure accountability have created an environment of impunity. The silence and inaction of those in power in the face of such barbaric acts only strengthens the culture of impunity. Justice delayed or denied in previous cases has encouraged the recurrence of such crimes. It is imperative that the guilty in these cases are swiftly arrested, prosecuted, and punished, and that no attempt is made to shield the perpetrators or communalise the victims.
We stand in solidarity with the families of Ali Khan, Shahzad Ali, and Arbaaz in their struggle for justice. We call upon students, youth, and all democratic and secular forces to raise their voices against communal violence and resist every attempt to divide people along religious lines.
Stop Mob Violence and the Politics of Hate! Defend Secularism and Democratic Rights!
