India should prosecute 'cow vigilantes' for barbaric attacks on Muslims and Dalits: HRW

HRW noted that many vigilantes are linked to extremist Hindu groups affiliated with ruling BJP

According to the Human Rights Watch [HRW], Indian authorities should prosecute so called "cow vigilantes".

HRW expressed concern, on Thursday, stating that authorities blame the victims rather than "cow protectors" who attack targets and even kill them in some cases. In a statement, HRW said that "the police, too often, have filed complaints against the assault victims, their relatives, and associates under laws banning cow slaughter."

According to the HRW, these attacks are generally aimed at Muslims, who have no religious restriction on eating beef, and Dalits. At least 10 Muslims have been killed by cow vigilantes in seven incidents since May 2015, one which included a 12-year-old boy. It also stated that, often, the victims are robbed of cash and cell phones.

HRW cited specific cases including a mob attack last week, in which five members of a cattle-herding family were attacked on the suspicion that they were going to take their cows to slaughter them. An online video showed the mob attacking an elderly man and setting fire to the family's shelter.



HRW's South Asia Director, Meenakshi Ganguly, said that “self-appointed ‘cow protectors’ driven by irresponsible populism are killing people and terrorising minority communities. The government should condemn this violence and take prompt action against those responsible for these attacks or face allegations of complicity.”

In another case, four Dalit men were beaten, stripped and tied to a car in July 2016. HRW also took note of the fact that many vigilantes are linked to extremist Hindu groups affiliated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] and last week's attackers were associated with the party since they were chanting slogans supportive of BJP.

The organisation took note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for protection of the cows during the national election in 2014 as well as during his time as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

This article originally appeared on RT