Protest against vigilantism: Land rights movement warns India-wide agitation if "cow terrorism" isn't plugged

By Our Representative
Bhumi Adhikaar Andolan (BAA), the apex body of tens of land rights organisations of India, has given a call for nationwide struggle against what it claims "terrorism in name of cow protection" by vigilante groups, warning nationwide strike if no action is taken against them.
Calling for programmes across country on April 30, BAA, which organised a day long protest dharna at Jantar Mantar demanding justice for the family of Pehlu Khan killed by so-called gau-rakshaks (cow protectors), said, they were operating under the patronage of Hindutva elements and indirect support from the BJP ruled governments in states and centre.

Speakers at the dharna said, terrorism of the cow vigilante groups has witnessed a sharp rise especially after the spectacular win of the BJP in different states. This has created havoc not only in Uttar Pradesh but also across the country. A particularly religious community is being targeted in complete violation of the secular fabric and values of this country.
BAA in a statement following the dharna said, "This attack is not only against Muslims but against farmers and workers as well. Cows and cattle are intrinsically linked with the agrarian economy and in our country. Farmers and workers are from all religions."
It said, "The BJP government in the name of cow and river protection is only promoting the corporate agenda and taking away the rights and livelihoods from the working classes of this country. BAA is going to challenge every attempt at diversion of the common property resources and village land for industrial purposes."
Supporting the the demands of the agitating farmers from Tamil Nadu who have been camping at Jantar Mantar for 36 days now, Hannan Mollah, General Secretary, All-India Kisan Sabha, said, “The intention of this government is clear, we should not be fooled by its diversionary tactics. We have to fight communal terror as also corporate onslaught on farmers and workers of this country”.
Others who addressed the dharna included Madhuresh Kumar of the National Alliance of People’s Movements, Ashok Choudhary and Roma of the All-India Union of Forest Working People, Satyavan of the All-India Krishak Khet Mazdoor Sangathan, Prem Singh of All India Kisan Mahasabha, Atul Anjan of the All-India Kisan Sabha (CPI); Kavita Srivastava of the People's Union of Civil Liberties, CPI-M's Brinda Karat, CPI's D Raja, CPI-ML's Dipankar Bhattacharya, JD(U)'s K.C.Tyagi, and NCP's DP Tripathi.
The dharna was attended by farmers and civil rights organisations from Haryana and Punjab. Demands put up at the dharna said, the Rajashthan Government should give Rs 1 crore compensation for Pehlu Khan's family and job for a family member, and arrest of all perpetrators of the crime.
Also demanding government purchase of unproductive cows at market rate and protection of right to cattle trade as well as right to choice of food, BAA said, "The Haryana government must ensure immediate and free medical treatment to all the victims."
Seeking withdrawal false cases against the victims, BAA said, "A special investigation team under the direct supervision of Supreme Court must be assigned to ensure impartial investigation of the crime and role of the police."
Also demanding a "high level enquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court to unearth the conspiracy of RSS to create communal unrest on the issue of cow slaughter", BAA said, the government must "ensure farmers' right to cattle trade and reopen all cattle markets immediately which had been closed down by the concerned state governments."