This fire should not spread

The majority of the people in the society want to live in peace, irrespective of religion and caste. However, there is a small section of extremists and xenophobic people in all religions. Such people often try to provoke riots by exaggerating even trivial matters to spread religious hatred. If a riot takes place in a land where different religions have been living in peace for decades, it will take years to heal that wound. The goal of those who spread hatred is to divide and exploit. It is the common people and small traders belonging to both religions who lose life and property in the riots.

Protests and clashes over the controversial statement against the Prophet had almost subsided in India. The BJP had taken action against the person who made the remark and rejected the remark. Leaders of all the major political parties, communities and religious leaders in the country condemned the remark. Many peaceful protests were held in Kerala. All this was done in accordance with democratic norms. However, the vicious incident in the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan should be seen as the result of some people trying to ignite controversy over the remark through the internet. The country was shocked to hear about the incident where a young tailor, Kanhaiya Lal, who posted on social media in support of Nupur Sharma, was hacked to death by two men in broad daylight. It cannot be assumed that this happened in the name of sudden emotion. The murder was carried out in a perfectly planned manner. There is a high probability that anti-national centres are behind this. Their sole aim is to pit Hindus against Muslims. That is why they recorded this horrific incident on a mobile phone and circulated it through the internet. No responsible citizens will share posts related to this. Those who control social media should take immediate action to prevent this. All political parties and religious leaders should come out condemning this. Everyone, irrespective of caste, creed or creed, should take the responsibility of not creating a situation where ordinary people become puppets in the hands of hatemongers. This fire should not spread. Law enforcers should exercise caution in this regard.