Sikandar Noorani
RECENT riots in Delhi were neither an un
precedented outcome of any local dispute
nor a contest between two rival groups or communities. Undoubtedly, these were well planned anti-Muslim riots masterminded by the extremist cult of RSS’ ideologues. The New York Times report titled ‘How Delhi’s Police Turned against Muslims?’ clearly stamped this reality that brutal riots had mysteriously meaningful blessing from local police. BJP’s extremist outlook and violent approach towards religious minorities in general and lethal urge to annihilate the Muslims in particular has removed the mask of secularism from the face of Indian state. Deep commitment of state with abhorrent violence has shocked the sane minds all over the world. Miscreants reached in target areas, spotted the properties owned by the Muslims, played havoc with life and property in the presence of local police. Subsequently, all perpetrators managed to flee successfully leaving behind the ashes of burnt properties and bodies of the martyred Muslims. Iran, Turkey and Malaysia officially condemned the brutal Muslim persecution. A frightening message has been delivered by BJP to that India, being a Hindu Rashter, is no more ready to accommodate other religious minorities. This extremist plague has crept deep into state institutions. The Indian Parliament which was supposed to guard the secular values of the Indian Constitution, could not halt the disastrous march of hate mongers amid prejudiced citizenship legislation. Spirit of Constitution was slaughtered in the same fashion by BJP stalwarts amid unilateral division of the disputed territory of occupied Kashmir through revocation of Article-370.
Extreme measures of imposing curfew and the worst communication blackout stretched over a period of more than six months clearly depict that New Delhi has no intent to adopt non-violent methods in occupied Kashmir. Instead of looking for internal peace and harmony amid Kashmir unrest, RSS’ dominated ideologues immediately opened up a new battlefront against the marginalized Muslims through controversial legislation. This miserable fall of secular Indian democracy has taken place right at the floor of Parliament where the Constitution has been altered to fulfill the fascist agenda of RSS. Though, marginalizing the millions of human beings through one stroke of pen is not child’s play but RSS stalwarts felt no hesitation in facing the much obvious serious consequences at internal and external fronts. Dangerous mixture of religious hatred and populist political rhetoric have brought the India to a boil. Anguish and unrest is no more restricted to the blood soaked land of Kashmir only! Now, waves of anger, disappointment and retaliation are felt all across India. It is heartening to see that sane and non-partisan Hindus have stood in support of the oppressed Muslims. Flag bearers of secular democracy are raising voices against the devilish moves of Modi-led BJP regime. Moral support to Muslims from Sikhs has significantly irked the RSS followers who already carry sufficient grudge towards Khalsa community for their pleasant approach towards Pakistan amid opening of Kartarpur Corridor. Absolute lack of political engagement and infinite use of brutal state force in occupied Kashmir has practically disassociated Kashmiris from India. This bitter reality was loudly pointed out by prominent icons, like Arun Dhati Roy and late Kuldeep Nair, much ago.
Peace cannot be brought to any piece of land through persistent violence, marginalization and human rights violation. Credible quarters of international media declared the IoK a frozen prison where millions of unarmed innocent humans have been confined until they kneel before the oppressor. Approximately three years ago, late Kuldeep Nair warned the decision makers of New Delhi about rapidly deepening hatred among the Kashmiris towards India. He rightly said “Kashmir is slipping from India’s hand like sand”. The process of slipping is over! Kashmiris have mentally gone parted their way from India. This process of parting ways got accelerated due to ultra violent and extremely prejudiced conduct of BJP government. Extra-judicial killings, brutal custodial torture, gang rapes and merciless use of lethal weapons against innocent Kashmiris by Indian state forces have drawn final lines. Die hard supporters from Mufti and Abdullah clans, who happened to be the CMs, have been put under house arrest. With such obvious provoking and uncompromising moves, Modi regime has shown its tilt towards violence and aggression. This horrible rise of extremist cult in India has added to the security concerns of Pakistan! Bringing India towards peaceful solution of prevailing issues is much harder for Pakistan than fighting a war! If RSS’ ideologues can bring the region to the brink of a war thorough stage managed Pulwama attack; just for an electoral victory then a wider disorder at internal front can also compel the extremist cult to initiate a war against Pakistan to play the game of distraction. Pakistan should launch a diplomatic offensive by exposing the rapidly worsening situation of human rights and horrible rise of extremists i India which definitely poses multiple threats to regional security.
—The writer is a free lancer who often contributes in national newspapers.
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