Urging people to speak up, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that those who had “killed Muslims” and “burnt Dalits” were now attacking “our children”. He was referring to the attack on a school bus in Gurugram by a mob protesting against the release of the movie Padmaavat .
Speaking at the Delhi government’s Republic Day event held at the Chhatrasal Stadium, Mr. Kejriwal told a crowd of schoolchildren that Wednesday’s attack on a school bus was shameful.
A mob protesting against the movie, which was released on Thursday, threw stones at the bus of a Gurugram private school.
“When they killed Muslims, we remained silent. When they burnt Dalits, and beat them, we kept sitting quiet. Today, they have started throwing stones at your children. Today they have come into your homes. Now we will have to speak up,” Mr. Kejriwal said, adding that he had appealed to the Central government for peace. Referring to the video of the attack, shared on social media, Mr. Kejriwal said he “could not sleep all night” after seeing the goons attacking innocent children.
Parents concerned
Later in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said concerned parents and teachers had been approaching him all day to check whether it was safe for children to go to school.
“They are ruining their reputation. Rajputs have been known to be protectors,” said Mr. Sisodia, adding he would watch the movie with Rajput leaders.
