At least 25 people have been killed and hundreds are wounded in the communal violence that has gripped Indian capital New Delhi. The violence fanned by BJP leaders’ provocative speeches have targeted Muslims and stoked fears about Modi’s master plan to mould India as a Hindu nation.
As India remains on the brink, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the neigbouring country has set out on a dangerous path from where it will be very difficult to return. He reminded that history shows that only bloodshed follows the kind of racist, fascist, and totalitarian RSS ideology which India has adopted.
The Hindutva ideology is spreading hatred against Muslims and can target other minorities which will have serious repercussions. PM Imran Khan warned that the path India has taken will be self-destructive as there are consequences when a Nazi-inspired ideology based on superiority of race takes over a nuclear-armed country of a billion people.
The prime minister warned of stern action if any miscreant in Pakistan targets any religious minority or their places of worship in reprisal for the attacks in Delhi. He reminded that minorities are equal citizens and any threats will be dealt with a firm response. PM Imran Khan showed concern over the alarming situation in India but warned he has already predicted that there will be bloodshed once the genie is out of the bottle.
The message from the prime minister is reassuring as minorities could be potential targets for retribution over the violence against Muslims in India. This demonstrates that the prime minister has shown maturity and leadership for averting a crisis. From restoring Hindu temples to opening the Katarpur Corridor, the prime minister has made efforts to grant more freedom to minorities.
Minorities in Pakistan face immense troubles, from forced conversions of Hindu girls to discrimination and persecution against Christians, but these are not perpetuated by the state. In sharp contrast, Indian leaders have spewed hatred against minorities. The latest communal violence was triggered after a BJP leader threatened those protesting against the discriminatory citizenship law. The entire state apparatus in India is now targeting the Muslims in India.
Democratic freedoms in India are under attack as the BJP leadership is cracking down on dissent. The Indian opposition is incapable of challenging them while the global community has turned a blind eye. Even US President Trump is being criticised for praising Pakistan on Indian soil. While India descends into chaos, Pakistan should be relieved that it is not on the receiving end and its minorities can have a sigh of relief that they are being safeguarded.
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