Sinha on mob lynchings: ‘We are all Indians first’

The most outspoken soldier of the ruling regime, actor

Shatrughan Sinha (left), is shattered by the spate of mob lynchings across the country. “I strongly condemn the lack of urgent police action against mobs who pick on individuals. This is a new trend spreading across India. If we don’t control it now, we would soon be staring in the face of utter chaos with the mobs deciding what we should eat or wear,” says Sinha.

Without naming the Prime Minister, Shatrughan feels there must be stronger action against mob attacks. “I am afraid the condemnation of mob attacks is a case of too little too late. Much sterner action is needed.”

Shatruji says he is a proud Hindu. But the actions of the mob have left him mortified. “We are all Indians first, then Hindus or Muslims. The hapless Muslim boy Junaid, who was lynched on a train on the eve of Eid was also an Indian. What crime had he committed? Who decides what is the correct way for an Indian to eat or behave?”

The actor feels this whole rigmarole over cow protection is a farce. “Protect cows from hunger and homelessness first. Then protect them from beef eaters. Cows are so mercilessly neglected in our country. We have cows left to die on the roads. They eat plastic bags and die. Rather than protecting cows from beef eaters, let gau rakshaks protect cows from hunger.”