FIR filed after Bajrang Dal training camp video goes viral, BJP cautious
Lucknow: Bajrang Dal has stoked fresh controversy on Tuesday with its bizarre mock drill in UP schools that show volunteers tackling ‘terrorists’ sporting skull caps. A video of the same has gone viral in social media, forcing authorities to lodge an FIR regarding the matter.
The footage, reportedly form the annual self-defence camp of the Bajrang Dal, shows cadres being trained to use rifles, swords and sticks so that they can 'protect the Hindus’. The cadres can be seen killing men dressed as Muslims during the mock drill.
Faizabad Superintend of Police Sankalp Sharma told media that the FIR has been registered under section 153 A- for promoting enmity between different groups and added that the matter is being investigated.
Similar camps would be held till June 5 in Sultanpur, Gorakhpur, Pilibhit, Noida and Fatehpur cities in the state.
Manoj Verma, the organizer, said the cadres are given a lot of boost during the camps. "We prepare them to boost their self-esteem. This training is of self-defence. They are taught to tackle different situations. This is about self-confidence," Verma said.
"This whole annual program is about boosting the self-confidence and morale of the cadres," he added.
Bajrang Dal, which is the youth wing of Vishva Hindu Parishad, has faced allegations of rioting and violence against religious minorities in the past.
The BJP reacted cautiously to the news. "Our security forces are sufficient to fight with terrorists. We have the Narendra Modi government. No one should be worried about it," said BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain.
However, BJP MP from Unnao Sakshi Maharaj said that there was nothing wrong with conducting the drill. Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath seconded his party colleague on the issue.
Downplaying the furore over the annual self-defence camp, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Tuesday said that there was nothing wrong in conducting such camps, adding it should be continued at all costs.
Justifying his stand, Naik said such camps promote self-defence, which was a skill that should be imbibed by every individual.
"There is no harm in self-defence camps, what's important is to understand the intention behind them. All kinds of education teaching self defence is important and it should be continued at all costs. How can those who can't defend themselves, defend the society? Self defence must be taught in schools and other institutions," Naik told the media.
