PM Modi Reacts to Attack on Kashmiri Dry Fruit Vendors in Lucknow
On Thursday, two Kashmiri dry fruit sellers - Abdul Salam and Mohammed Salam - were attacked by members of 'Vishwa Hindu Dal' in Lucknow.
Kanpur, March 8: A day after two Kashmiri dry fruit vendors was attacked by fringe elements in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a reaction, saying that such acts of hooliganism would not be tolerated. The PM lauded the state's Yogi Adityanath-led government for swiftly acting against the accused.
"It is important to maintain an atmosphere of unity in the country. The UP government quickly acted against the miscreants for what they did with our Kashmiri brothers," Modi said, while addressing a BJP poll rally in Kanpur on Friday. Watch: Video of the Attack on Kashmiris in Lucknow.
On Thursday, two Kashmiri dry fruit sellers - Abdul Salam and Mohammed Salam - were heckled by members of 'Vishwa Hindu Dal', after asking them for their Aadhaar cards. While one of the victims rushed away from the spot, the other was thrashed with sticks by the fringe group members.
The assault was stopped upon intervention by locals, who also alerted the police which took penal action against the attackers. The accused, Bajrang Sonkar, Amar, Himanshu and Anirudh, were arrested with non-bailable charges being pressed against them. They have been booked under sections 153A, 307 (attempt to murder) and 7CLA Act of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The attack sparked outrage in Jammu & Kashmir, with the National Conference demanding the Centre and state to take immediate action against those responsible for the assault. "Such incidents will send a wrong message in the Valley. It will further alienate the Kashmiri people," said former J&K CM Omar Abdullah.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing a rally in Beawar, said it is imperative upon all state governments to provide security to the Kashmiri migrants living in their region.
"Want to convey a message to entire country, heard of a few incidents against Kashmiri children. Kashmiris are, were and will remain our people. Have requested Chief Ministers of all states that Kashmiri students must be protected and loved," he said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 08, 2019 04:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).