Assad Abbas
RSS backed Modi government is suppressing the religious rights of minorities with every single passing day. The slogan “Hindustan sirf Hinduon ka hai” (India is only for Hindus) is becoming a reality with a fast pace. The so called biggest democracy of the world is now exposed and their true color of Hindu extremism is unveiled in front of the whole world. The Washington Post has published a full page, showing solidarity with the renown Indian Muslim journalist Rana Ayub criticizing the way Modi government is trying to suppress her voice. It is a huge step taken by The Washington Post and all sane voices must appreciate that. Because, in a country like USA, who just because of mere economic interests, avoid commenting on Human Right abuses in India, a paper’s daring step needs an applause.
Recent Hijab controversy in India is a glaring example of how minorities are getting suppressed in the world so called largest democracy. Goons of Safforanization are free to wear saffron shaals, but Muslim girls are not allowed to wear Hijab in schools or colleges. BJP, which runs governments in Karnataka as well as at the Centre, has backed the discriminatory ban. Even the judicial system of India is so biased that they are dilly dallying on such an important issue, just to avoid confrontation from right wing Hindu activists.
Such Hindutva policies are not only against Muslims but are impacting other minorities of India as well. Days after the BJP-led government banned wearing hijab in classrooms in India’s Karnataka state, another row erupted over Sikh’s Kirpan (steel sword or dagger) during provincial assembly elections being held in various parts of the country. Members belonging to Sikh minority community were reportedly barred from entering polling stations by police officials for carrying Kirpan. In one such incident in Jalalabad area of Indian Punjab, Sikh youths got into brawl with police officials when they were stopped from casting votes while carrying Kirpan. Police said that they would not let anyone to enter polling station with “sword” while on the other hand Sikh youths were of the view that Kirpan was a part of their identity and they could not separate it from their bodies.
The minority community expressed fear that if they could not carry Kirpan in Indian Punjab, which is a Sikh majority state, then how they would be treated in other parts of the country. Sardar Gopal Singh Chawla said in a statement, Sikhs should not accept such a ban and urged other minority communities including Muslims and Christians to unite to fight extremist policies of BJP-led Hindu national government.
BJP has campaigned for the application of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC); which minorities believe would be tantamount to the imposition of Hindu laws. Congress has called the hijab ban “inhuman and communal” accusing the government of creating controversy in order to gain political mileage before state elections.
Post-Independence Sikhs, Muslims and Christians remained the victim of state terrorism and thousands of them have been killed in various episodes of state sponsored terrorism. Human rights groups report titled ‘Christians under attack in India’ highlights that over 300 instances of violence have been reported from across 21 states, particularly North India, in first nine months of 2021.
Not only the minorities but the low caste Hindus are also the target of extremist Hindus. Indian caste system deprives Dalits from basic human rights and they are forced to live as 2nd class citizens. RSS driven Hindu supremacy ideology will further increase her high-handedness against minorities to suppress their voice, representation and basic rights. Minorities should mitigate the effects of Indian machinations under the banner of OPIM (Oppressed People of Indian Movement).
Although few sane voices in India and around the globe are supporting Muslims as well as other minorities of India. But in my opinion it is time for not only the Indian but for the whole world especially Muslim countries forcing India to address the grievances of the minorities. As per the UN charter, each and every person is free to practice his or her religion in every nook and corner of the world. India is also signatory of that charter. UN and other world organizations should urge India to correct the course and allow all minorities to practice their religion in true letter and spirit.
