Killers must disappear: Minister said, Rajnath Singh finds nothing wrong

The Indian Express had reported on Monday about Katheria and presence on the dais at a condolence event on Sunday for Arun Mahaur, a VHP worker who was killed allegedly by Muslim youths. While local residents said the murder was not related to a communal divide but was the fallout of a quarrel, the Sangh Parivar’s condolence meeting warned of a “final battle” and equated Muslims to “demons”.

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As audio files of the speech posted on www.indianexpress.com shows, Katheria lamented that “a man returning after offering his prayers” had been killed.

“We have to make ourselves powerful. We have to launch a struggle. If we don’t begin a struggle, then today we have lost an Arun, tomorrow we will lose another. Doosra jane se pehle, yeh hatyare hi chale jayen is prakar ki taqat humen dikhani hogi (Before another is lost, we must show such strength that these killers themselves disappear),” he said.

Demanding that Mahaur’s killers be hanged, Katheria added, “The administration might think that main to mantri ho gaya, haath bandh gaye (that because I’m a minister, my hands are tied).”

Saying that the meeting was just the start, he said, “We are not withdrawing this movement. On Wednesday and Friday, we will all hold condolence meetings in our colonies. After that, whatever our leadership decides, if we are required to take to the streets, we will come on the streets in thousands. Let anybody dare stop us.”

The Home Minister added that the Uttar Pradesh government would conduct the investigation in a “fair and impartial manner” and take necessary action.

“The government is opposed to all statements and speeches which divide the country on the basis of religion, caste and creed. This government is fully committed to the Constitution and the law of the land,” Singh said in Rajya Sabha while replying to a calling attention on this issue.

Singh warned against “such incidents” being given a “political colour”, and said, “We should be working for protecting unity and integrity of the country. … We should all strive to maintain a conducive atmosphere among the different communities.”

However, Singh’s reply failed to convince the Opposition. JD(U) Sharad Yadav said, “Various things have been said from both sides. I want to say to you, Home Minister, this will not go on for long. Your ministers and MPs are making such statements. No action has been taken by your government. If the government is serious to go along, please stop all such activities.”

BSP chief Mayawati (BSP) said, “Katheria made an inflammatory speech which created hatred in UP. That Minister should have been sacked. Why no action has been taken against him?” she asked.