The issue of lynchings resonated in the Rajya Sabha on 19 July, with Opposition leaders alleging that members of the BJP and Sangh Parivar were involved in these incidents. In response, the government warned against giving a communal colour to such violence.
Initiating the debate, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad attacked the government, saying the rise in these incidents was spreading the message of fear.
Earlier it was done at individual level. You may not like it, all lynching is done by some members of the ruling party and Sangh Parivar.Ghulam Nabi Azad, Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha
From Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari, not a single place is safe, Azad said.
Lynchings are reported from all over. Such incidents are happening for the first time. This used to happen during the medieval age, not even during British times.
Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government is equally concerned about the criminal incidents and everyone should speak in one voice to fight against "such destructive forces".
The Centre condemns such incidents, Naqvi said, adding the states should take stringent legal action against those involved.
(With PTI inputs)
Video Editor: Vivek Gupta
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