Video Sparks Outrage in India After Alleged Shooting at Muslims
Video Sparks Outrage in India After Alleged Shooting at Muslims
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A video released by India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam has triggered widespread political and public outrage after it appeared to show Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pointing a gun at individuals dressed in attire associated with Muslims, followed by a simulated gunshot. The video included the caption “Merciless,” which critics described as a call for violence or even “genocide.”
The BJP quickly removed the video from its social media accounts, but the footage sparked strong reactions from opposition parties and political figures, who condemned it as an example of “poison spreading from the top” and accused the ruling party of inciting communal hatred.
The Indian National Congress called the video “repulsive and disgusting” and said it promoted collective violence, while Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), announced he would file a formal complaint against the Assam Chief Minister, stating that hate speech inciting mass violence is becoming increasingly common. The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of exploiting political opportunities to stoke sectarian tension and sow enmity between communities.
In response, Chief Minister Sarma denied any personal involvement, telling a television interview, “This video is not mine, and I did not post it from my personal account.” The BJP removed the video but did not issue an official apology.
