‘Bullets were fired, piercing through bodies. To control stone-pelters, they could have shot them in the legs or resorted to lathi charge, but the police fired bullets,’ says Lok Sabha member from Saharanpur
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Congress MP Imran Masood has expressed outrage over the violence in Sambhal, calling the treatment of Muslims in the country deeply concerning. In a video that has gone viral, Masood sharply criticised the police for their heavy-handed tactics, stating that Muslims are being killed both in and outside their homes. “Police kill Muslims outside, while rioters kill them inside their homes,” Masood said, reflecting on the growing insecurity and fear among the Muslim community in the country.
Masood, who represents Saharanpur in the Lok Sabha, pointed to the recent violence in Bahraich, where Muslims were allegedly dragged from their homes and killed. “In Sambhal, when Muslims came out, the police shot them. What can a Muslim do?” he asked, emphasising the helplessness of the community in the face of such violence. The MP referred to the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, where a peaceful gathering was disrupted by planned provocation, leading to police firing on the crowd.
Masood further condemned the police’s use of force, claiming that Muslims’ lives seem to have no value. “Bullets were fired, piercing through bodies. To control stone-pelters, they could have shot them in the legs or resorted to lathi charge, but the police fired bullets,” he said, highlighting the disproportionate use of force in the incident.
He also criticised the narrative surrounding the violence, pointing out that the media and authorities were focusing solely on stone pelters, while the destruction of Muslim homes was being ignored. “There is no discussion for those whose houses were destroyed. Only stone pelters are being discussed. If they are stone pelters, take them into custody. Strict action should be taken, but not through fatal violence,” he added. He questioned why police were not targeting the legs of those involved in violent acts, as opposed to resorting to lethal force.
Calls for Unity, Peace, and Justice
Masood also warned against the dangers of hate-driven politics. “Don’t burn this country. Nothing good will come out of hatred. We will all be consumed in the fire of hatred,” he said, urging for peace and unity. His comments are seen as part of a broader criticism of the state’s handling of communal violence and police accountability.
The Congress MP’s statements have sparked a larger debate over police brutality, human rights, and the treatment of minorities in the country. His call for justice and an end to hate-filled violence continues to resonate with many in the Muslim community and beyond, as the Sambhal incident remains a flashpoint for national debate on religious intolerance and state power.
