Kolkata, May 23: Expressing concern over the growing communal and inflammatory rhetoric against Muslims in the country in recent times, Iqbal Ansari, State General Secretary of the BJP Minority Morcha and social observer, said that the Muslim community in India is hardworking, peace-loving and deeply connected to employment and livelihood, and does not support any form of tension or unrest.
He said that the majority of Muslims in the country are engaged in labour work, small businesses, craftsmanship and other forms of hard work, but due to political weakness they continue to face remarks and targeted criticism. According to him, in today’s politics, “Muslim, mosque, madrasa, maulana and Islam” have been turned into specific political issues, whereas the reality is that a large section of Muslims in the country has only limited access to religious education and even basic knowledge of Islam.
Iqbal Ansari stated that Indian Muslims do not possess a war-driven mentality, but rather believe in peace, harmony and brotherhood. He also raised questions over the role of a section of the media, alleging that fabricated allegations and claims against poor Muslims are often circulated easily, while strong and effective voices in their support are rarely heard.
He appealed to the government to take serious steps against communal mindsets in order to protect the country’s Ganga-Jamuni culture, diversity and constitutional values. He said that resolving disputes before they escalate has become the need of the hour.
Iqbal Ansari also advised Muslims not to limit themselves only to protest demonstrations, but to move forward through education, awareness, dialogue and active participation in the democratic process to address their issues. He said that any society which learns to move forward with time ultimately achieves dignity, respect and progress.
