Roko, Toko, Thoko is a Hindu nationalist slogan that roughly translates as “Stop Them, Confront Them, Hit or Kill Them.” It is a call to action often used to incite vigilante violence, particularly against Muslims.
Background and Context
In 2017, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath popularized the colloquial Hindi term “thoko” (meaning “shoot” or “kill”) as part of a hardline, zero-tolerance stance on crime.46 Since then, Hindu nationalist groups have repurposed the use of the term to justify violence against Muslims. The phase often appears in the context of campaigns against so-called “Love Jihad,” cow slaughter, or religious conversions. In such settings, “thoko” has become a rallying cry for vigilante violence, social boycotts, and coordinated online hate campaigns targeting the Muslim community.
Impact and Harm
This slogan functions as a call to violence, encouraging vigilante action against Muslims. It urges Hindus to harass and attack Muslims with impunity, reinforcing a culture of mob justice and religious persecution.
Variants and Alternative Forms
रोको टोको, ठोको RTT
Online Usage
