The Bishnoi community, which worships and adores the black buck, is jubilant at Salman Khan’s sentencing.
The Bishnoi Mahasabha has decided to honour all the witnesses, numbering over two dozen, who gave evidence against Salman Khan at its next convention at Mukam in Bikaner district. “It is a victory for justice, and the successful completion of a mission for us,” said Heeralal Lohmarod, ex-MLA and chairman of the Mahasabha.
“This judgement will remain a golden chapter in the 550 year old history of the Bishnoi community.” It is a community spread across most of the districts in the Marwar region which follows the teachings of Sai Sri Jambeshwar, a 15th century saint who preached that all God’s creations were sacred. The Bishnoi faith prohibits the killing of all animals, but Bishnois also have a special relationship with the black buck. “Kalo hiran to hamaro babo se” (the black buck is our God), is a frequently uttered sentiment in these parts.