NEW DELHI/MATHURA – The peaceful celebrations of Eid-Al-Azha across the country were overshadowed by a disturbing incident in Mathura’s Barsana area, where tension escalated after alleged cow remains were found near an Idgah. While police have registered a case and taken swift action, a deeply inflammatory statement by Hindutva leader Indresh Kaushik has caused panic and fear among Muslims, who say they are being deliberately targeted and threatened.
On the first day of the three-day Bakrid festivities on Saturday, several Hindu groups stormed the Govardhan-Barsana Road in Mathura, claiming cows had been slaughtered illegally. The groups, the self-appointed cow vigilantes, alleged that the remains of cows were found near a Muslim prayer ground.
Though the police acted quickly to disperse crowds and register a case against over 70 individuals, the situation took a serious turn when Hindutva leader Indresh Kaushik of Ayodhya made an open call for violence against Muslims during a media interaction.
In a speech laced with hate and warning, Kaushik said, “Our cows have been slaughtered on the roads in Mathura. The remains of the cows were thrown out, and their blood was found everywhere. This is very sad and painful. Now the time has come for their end.”
He further added, “If they (Muslims) don’t stop, we will remove the white caps from their heads and rip the beards from their faces. We are ready for a war.”
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.