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The article, titled "For the residents of Haryana’s Nuh, cow vigilante attacks remain a waking nightmare," paints a chilling picture of the fear and insecurity that permeates the lives of residents in the district of Nuh, Haryana. Through personal narratives and observations, it highlights the profound impact of cow vigilante violence on individuals and communities, leaving them traumatized and seeking justice that seems perpetually out of reach.
The article delves into the experiences of individuals like Yusuf Khan, whose brother-in-law, Rakbar, was brutally murdered by cow vigilantes in 2018. Yusuf, forced to abandon his education, now lives in constant fear of another attack, echoing the sentiments of many in the Meo Muslim community, a significant population in Nuh. This fear is further exacerbated by the increasing number of lynching incidents, with reports indicating a threefold rise in the past decade.
The article further underscores the prevailing sense of impunity among these vigilante groups. While Yusuf details how they operate under the guise of 'gau rakshaks' (cow protectors) to extort money from residents, the story of Pehlu Khan, a dairy farmer lynched in 2017, illustrates the tragic consequences of their actions. Despite the case receiving national attention and evidence captured on camera, the six individuals accused of his murder were acquitted, leaving his family with a sense of deep injustice and a shattered sense of safety.
The article also highlights the political dimensions of the issue, accusing the ruling BJP party of fostering a climate of vigilantism. Nuh MLA Aftab Ahmed criticizes the BJP for failing to address the concerns of the residents and promoting a culture of lawlessness. He points to the district's dismal social indicators, including low literacy rates and limited infrastructure, as evidence of the BJP's neglect. The article contrasts this with the BJP's stance on cow protection, emphasizing the disparity between laws protecting cows and those protecting the lives of ordinary citizens.
The article concludes with a poignant reflection on the sense of helplessness and disillusionment that permeates the community. Jaibuna, Pehlu Khan's widow, expresses her despair at the lack of government intervention and the seeming indifference to the plight of victims. Her poignant question, "There are laws to protect the cows, but where are the laws to protect us, the people who have lived and died in Haryana?" encapsulates the deep-seated feeling of vulnerability and the struggle for justice in the face of an unchecked menace.
Source: For the residents of Haryana’s Nuh, cow vigilante attacks remain a waking nightmare