Earlier today, at the inauguration of Sabarmati Ashram centenary celebrations in Ahmedabad, prime minister Narendra Modi finally addressed the mob lynching of Muslims and Dalits across the country.
In his speech, he expressed sadness about the series of violent beatings and killings that have taken place in recent months.
Today I want to say a few words and express sadness on some of the things going on: PM @narendramodi
We are a land of non violence. We are the land of Mahatma Gandhi. Why do we forget that: PM @narendramodi
No one spoke about protecting cows more than Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave. Yes. It should be done: PM @narendramodi
Modi said killing in the name of cows wasn't acceptable.
Killing people in the name of Gau Bhakti is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve: PM @narendramodi
As a society, there is no place for violence: PM @narendramodi
No person in this nation has the right to take the law in his or her own hands in this country: PM @narendramodi
He called for nonviolence.
Violence never has and never will solve any problem: PM @narendramodi
Invoking memories of Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters, Modi also called for unity and peace.
Let's all work together. Let's create the India of Mahatma Gandhi's dreams. Let's create an India our freedom fighters would be proud of: PM
Modi's speech followed the death of 16-year-old Junaid Khan on a train earlier this week.
After Khan's death, a nationwide protest was called for by independent filmmaker and author Saba Dewan, urging people to stand against violence.
Watch the speech here from 1:50.
