Shab-e-Barat hooliganism on Delhi roads is anti-Islamic
Muslims across the country will stay awake and pray as they celebrate Shab-e-Barat tonight. However, the night, meant for prayers, turns into a nightmare for the common people of Delhi as biker gangs, driving rashly, wreak havoc on the roads of the city. There have been numerous instances of serious road accidents resulting in death.
This hooliganism in the name of religion is a sheer act of terrorising people and is, without any doubt, anti-Islamic. There is no tradition of such mindless celebrations.
Apart from praying in the mosques and their homes, people visit graveyards to seek forgiveness for their deceased kin. At the same time, the biker gangs who "celebrate" Shab-e-Barat on their bikes, make it a point to drive in large numbers and at high speeds while visiting the graveyards. Other than Delhi and in some other big metros, such a freak show and mindless display of hooliganism is rarely witnessed. Those who believe in this, consider it a very pious night, an opportunity to seek blessings and ask for forgiveness from Allah (Almighty). However, there are many sects that do not celebrate it at all.
Repeated appeals from clerics and community leaders have gone unheard and hooligans have time and again unleashed a reign of terror on roads with their dangerous stunts, jeopardising the lives of fellow travellers. This compromise of the law of the land must end.
Apart from the road risk, such acts could prove counter-productive as they vitiate peace. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have reportedly launched a helpline to protect people from such harassment on the night. The Hindu right wing organisations' direct intervention may lead to communal tension.
Even law enforcement agencies handle it with soft gloves as any act in the name of religion, however unlawful, is considered a sensitive issue in our country.
Shab-e-Barat, or any other festival for that matter, must not be a licence to run amok. Authorities must deal with the hooligans with a firm hand.
My appeal to the dear followers of the religion of peace: make this Shab-e-Barat a peaceful night for all and sundry and don't flout the laws of the road.