Editorial
Attacks on the minorities
Government cannot afford to take the issue lightly any more
THE disturbing news of the attacks on six Hindu families by armed mobsters in a remote village of Rangpur last Monday has drawn our attention for two reasons. Firstly it, most alarmingly, reminds us the vulnerability of the minority community in the country; and secondly it clearly tells us about the intolerance that has crept into our society. The attack was carried out allegedly by a big group of armed people who are activists of the ruling BNP. They torched twenty two houses belonging to the Hindus destroying them completely, injured many villagers and looted cash, crops and cattle, according to reports from the area. And they could carry out such vicious attack on unsuspecting people, probably because they knew the hands of the law were not that long, at least for them. If we try to delve deep into the actual cause behind the attack, we would discover that it wasn't just a case of causing panic and fear. The real intention, according to reports, was to evict the families and grab their lands illegally. And that's why we feel the government has failed to protect the lawful rights of the minorities. It is the duty, both moral and bounden, of the government to not only protect the interests of the minorities, but also make them feel safe and secure in similar situations. But it is rather difficult to expect safe environments for the minorities to prevail when it is the ruling party activists who are allegedly responsible for the attacks. If the government cannot rein in its own activists at the grassroots level, things are not likely to change at all. In fact the government must realise that such incidents only project an impression of the majority population being intolerant and hostile towards the minorities. Our Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens irrespective of their religion, race, caste and creed. We have been witnessing with grave concern that not just the Hindus, other minorities have also been victims of repeated aggression by the majority in recent times. The government must not waste any more time and take stern actions against those who are carrying out these acts, to ensure social and communal harmony.
|
|
