Salman Khan and the Bishnoi Society: Healing Old Wounds
For six years, the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan has harbored resentment towards Salman Khan over the blackbuck case. The community's anger was so palpable that it led to threats against Khan's life. Recently, Lawrence Bishnoi, a figure associated with the community, was linked to a shooting incident at Khan's residence in Mumbai. During a court appearance in Jodhpur, Lawrence Bishnoi even remarked to the media that Khan should face the same fate as the deer he allegedly shot.
While Rakhi Sawant and Salman's friend Somi Ali have extended apologies to the Bishnoi community, Khan himself has remained silent for 26 years. Now, however, there's a glimmer of hope for reconciliation. The Bishnoi community, through All India Bishnoi Mahasabha National President Devendra Budiya, has outlined a condition for Khan's apology.
According to Budiya, the Bishnoi community could forgive Khan for his actions if he were to visit their temple, take an oath, and seek forgiveness. This gesture must be accompanied by a commitment to protect the environment and wildlife. Budiya emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the enlightened members of the society, who can convene to deliberate on Khan's apology. Importantly, Budiya clarified that Ali's apology holds little weight; what matters is Khan's personal acknowledgment and penance.
This conditional forgiveness aligns with the Bishnoi society's principles, which include provisions for pardoning transgressions. Budiya recalled previous apologies, including one from Rakhi Sawant, noting that Khan himself must initiate the reconciliation process to be considered for forgiveness.
The 27-year-old case stems from an incident during the shooting of the film 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in 1998, where Khan and others were accused of hunting deer in Jodhpur. Despite legal proceedings, the rift between Khan and the Bishnoi community has endured. Now, with the community extending an olive branch, the possibility of closure looms on the horizon, contingent upon Khan's willingness to make amends in accordance with the Bishnoi ethos.