Meo Muslims protest lynchings with black bands

“These armbands represent the pain the community is feeling. This protest is not against any particular political party or government.

Standing in solidarity with the victims of mob lynchings, mostly from minority communities and mostly following allegations of eating or carrying beef or cow slaughter, all the members of the Meo Muslim community in Alwar performed the Eid-ul-Fitr namaz on Monday wearing black arm-bands as mark of a silent protest.

Among others, the community was protesting against the lynchings of Pehlu Khan, a dairy farmer who was beaten up by cow vigilantes on suspicion of transporting cattle for slaughter, and most recently Junaid Khan of Vallabhgarh in Haryana. Junaid, a minor, was allegedly stabbed to death on board a train allegedly after an argument over a seat turned into religious slurs and triggered a mob attack.

“These armbands represent the pain the community is feeling. This protest is not against any particular political party or government,” said Maulvi Amjad, who led the Eid namaj at Nayabas Eidgah in Alwar.

In an apparent reference to the lynching of, the Maulvi said, “A 15 year old child was mercilessly stabbed and killed. His two brothers are admitted to a hospital in Delhi and are in a serious condition . These boys were beaten up without any reason, just for hate. Due to these acts against humanity, the Muslims have decided to wear black bands to protest.”

Former minister Jitendra Singh, who was present at the Eidgah, said , “The Meo community is extremely sad with these incidents. The government should pay heed to their concern. This is a peaceful way adopted by the community to protest against the killings.”

Reached for comments, chairman of the district Congress minorities cell, Jamshed Khan said accused the “members of a certain party” of trying to “divide the society” .

Meanwhile, in Kishangarhbas, a dispute broke out between two Maulvi brothers over who will lead the Eid prayers. “Following the death of the chief Maulvi, a dispute broke out between his two sons over who will lead the Eid prayers. It led to manhandling in which one of the maulvis got injured,” SHO Chand Singh said.

One person has been arrested on charges of breach of peace, the SHO said adding they are searching for five to six others involved in the fracas. Later, the Eid prayers were led by a third maulvi in the presence of police, the SHO added.