Lawyer Mahmood Paracha asked Muslims, Dalits SCs and STs to apply for firearms licenses | Photo Credit: Times Now

Key Highlights Lawyer Mahmood Pracha has asked Muslims, Dalits, SCs and STs to apply for gun licences Paracha claimed that move was necessitated in the wake of mob lynching incidents Cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad has asked Paracha to postpone the camp for the same in light of the controversy

New Delhi: In a shocking call to take up arms, a Muslim lawyer has sparked a row by suggesting that members of minority communities and Dalits should apply for firearms licence even if they have to sell their properties and goods to arrange for funds for the licence.

Lawyer Mahmood Pracha has asserted that Muslims, Dalits, and members of the SC and ST community should apply for gun licences to protect themselves following several incidents of mob lynching in the country.

During a press conference, Paracha stated that he would provide legal help to people from minority communities who face any problems while applying for the gun licences.

He said, “We will provide them with legal support if they have a problem filling the form or in procuring the licence. If they access their right to private defence and if the cases are filed against you, in that case, we will help you.”

The lawyer further said, “We only look at the legal aspect. For the SC/ST community, the government is responsible to finance them. However, we would like to request the minorities to sell their precious gold and goods, gather money and apply for the licence.”

Pracha had made the statement on Saturday, stating that a camp would be set up on July 26 to help Muslims and SCs and STs apply for the firearm licences.

However, on Sunday, Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad said that he had asked Pracha to postpone the setting up of the camp in light of the controversy generated by the announcements.

Jawad refuted speculations that arms training would take place at the camp, and said that he had asked the lawyer to wait to see what measures the government takes to bring perpetrators of mob lynching to justice.

The cleric said, “All we want is for them to be safe. They said it on their own that they did so compulsively, as things were getting out of control. (UP CM) Yogi ji and (Prime Minister) Modi ji have also promised action and we've requested for the program to be taken forth. Even if it is not taken forth, they will be able to fill in forms. The media took this by storm claiming things like there will be arms training, camping and all there.”

He further stated that the government should come up with a law on mob lynching. He said, "If the government takes any strict action against mob lynching, then there cannot be anything better than this. The government should be given a chance to act against mob lynching.”

In the last two months, at least three incidents of mob lynching have taken place in Bihar and Jharkhand.

Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has backed the plan for minorities to acquire licenses to protection, stating that the Constitution gave "us the right to defend".