Leaders come together for law against lynching

 Leaders in Parliament, irrespective of political affiliations, extended their support to a draft bill against lynching here on Wednesday, and urged the Prime Minister to get it passed.

The draft bill against lynching, Manav Suraksha Kanoon (MASUKA), defines the words 'lyching' and 'mob' and also talks about the measures that should be taken, including making it a non-bailable offence, to curb the crime.

The bill was prepared by 'National Campaign Against Mob Lynching' -- a committe of social activists and student leaders -- of which social activist Tehseen Poonawalla is a core member.

Speaking on the occasion, Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that the Sangh Parivar's line of thought is responsible for the recent lynchings and that it works in "a two-faced manner".

"On one side, they are (Sangh) saying that lynchings in the name of cow protection is wrong, while Praveen Togadia asks for training for Gau Rakshaks so that they can 'correct' people who kill cows," Singh said.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the government has failed to take up the issue. "Lynchings are rampant and are happening with impunity. I hope the government, Prime Minister and Home Minister will adopt it (Bill) or come up with a law of their own." 

Leaders said that lynchings happen not just in the name of cow, but against Dalits, Muslims, Africans and even Hindus.

A pledge to not remain mute spectators to lynching and not allow lynchings was also taken at the 100-people strong gathering.

Other leaders who were present included former Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh, and CPI-M MP M.B. Rajesh. - IANS