In the beginning of January 2020 two very disturbing events were reported from Pakistan. One was the attack on Nankana Sahib, the holy shrine where Sant Guru Nanak was born. While one report said that the place has been desecrated, the other stated that it was a fight between two Muslim groups. Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan condemned the incident and the main accused Imran Chisti was arrested. The matter related to abduction and conversion of a Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur, daughter of Pathi (One who reads Holy Guru Granth Sahib in Gurudwara) of the Gurudwara. In another incident one Sikh youth Ravinder Singh, who was out on shopping for his marriage, was shot dead in Peshawar.
While these condemnable attacks took place on the Sikh minority in Pakistan, BJP was quick enough to jump to state that it is events like this which justify the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Incidentally CAA is the Act which is discriminatory and relates to citizenship with Religion, which is not as per the norms of Indian constitution. There are constant debates and propaganda that population of Hindus has come down drastically in Pakistan and Bangla Desh. Amit Shah, the Home minister stated that in Pakistan the population of Hindus has come down from 23% at the time of partition to 3.7% at present. And in Bangla Desh it has come down from 22% to present 8%.
While not denying the fact that the religious minorities are getting a rough deal in both these countries, the figures which are presented are totally off the mark. These figures don’t take into consideration the painful migrations, which took place at the time of partition and formation of Bangla Desh later. Pakistan census figures tell a different tale. Their first census was held in 1951. As per this census the overall percentage of Non Muslim in Pakistan (East and West together) was 14.2%, of this in West Pakistan (Now Pakistan) it was 3.44 and in Eat Pakistan it was 23.2. In the census held in Pakistan 1998 it became 3.72%. As far as Bangla Desh is concerned the share of Non Muslims has gone down from 23.2 (1951) to 9.6% in 2011.
The largest minority of Pakistan is Ahmadis, (https://minorityrights.org/country/pakistan/) who are close to 4 Million and are not recognised as Muslims in Pakistan. In Bangla Desh the major migrations of Hindus from Bangla Desh took place in the backdrop of Pakistan army’s atrocities in the then East Pakistan.
As far as UN data on refugees in India it went up by 17% between 2016-2019 and largest numbers were from Tibet and Sri Lanka. (https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration/publication…)
The state of minorities is in a way the index of strength of democracy. Most South Asian Countries have not been able to sustain democratic values properly. In Pakistan, the Republic began with Jinnah’s classic speech where secularism was to be central credo of Pakistan. This 11th August speech was in a way what the state policy should be, as per which people of all faiths are free to practice their religion. Soon enough the logic of ‘Two Nation theory” and formation of Pakistan, a separate state for Muslim took over. Army stepped in and dictatorship was to reign there intermittently. Democratic elements were suppressed and the worst came when Zia Ul Haq Islamized the state in collusion with Maulanas. The army was already a strong presence in Pakistan. The popular formulation for Pakistan was that it is ruled by three A’s, Army, America and Allah (Mullah).
Bangla Desh had a different trajectory. Its very formation was a nail in the coffin of ‘two nation theory’; that religion can be the basis of a state. Bangla Desh did begin as a secular republic but communal forces and secular forces kept struggling for their dominance and in 1988 it also became Islamic republic. At another level Myanmar, in the grip of military dictatorship, with democratic elements trying to retain their presence is also seeing a hard battle. Democracy or not, the army and Sanghas (Buddhist Sang has) are strong, in Myanmar as well. The most visible result is persecution of Rohingya Muslims.
Similar phenomenon is dominating in Sri Lanka also where Budhhist Sanghas and army have strong say in the political affairs, irrespective of which Government is ruling. Muslim and Christian minorities are a big victim there, while Tamils (Hindus, Christians etc.) suffered the biggest damage as ethnic and religious minorities. India had the best prospect of democracy, pluralism and secularism flourishing here. The secular constitution, the outcome of India’s freedom struggle, the leadership of Gandhi and Nehru did ensure the rooting of democracy and secularism in a strong way.
India so far had best democratic credentials amongst all the south Asian countries. Despite that though the population of minorities rose mainly due to poverty and illiteracy, their overall marginalisation was order of the day, it went on worsening with the rise of communal forces, with communal forces resorting to identity issues, and indulging in propaganda against minorities.
While other South Asian countries should had followed India to focus more on infrastructure and political culture of liberalism, today India is following the footsteps of Pakistan. The retrograde march of India is most visible in the issues which have dominated the political space during last few years. Issues like Ram Temple, Ghar Wapasi, Love Jihad, Beef-Cow are now finding their peak in CAA.
India’s reversal towards a polity with religion’s identity dominating the political scene was nicely presented by the late Pakistani poetess Fahmida Riaz in her poem, Tum bhi Hum Jaise Nikle (You also turned out to be like us). While trying to resist communal forces has been an arduous task, it is becoming more difficult by the day. This phenomenon has been variously called, Fundamentalism, Communalism or religious nationalism among others. Surely it has nothing to do with the religion as practiced by the great Saint and Sufi traditions of India; it resorts mainly to political mobilization by using religion as a tool.
Comments
Ibraheem Hussain Udupi, Just one thing If he is wrong he will be punished and Mashallah we know that he has a good reputation and if you are wrong Alaah will punish you. So It is only right and wrong. YOU ARE PURE JEALOUS.
Mohammad, Mangalore
The facts which I wrote is 100% true and nothing conceited. People of Kudroli know Masood and his family and their contribution to the Muslim Community. If you compare his economical condition from 50 years back to now, you will realize from where he got the money. He was henchman of Mr. Poojari, who brought him to political life, and bank loans approved to him for his various projects and hotels in undivided DK district while Poojari was central Minister. Poojari made him as MLC and he was not elected MLC. Masood was not born with Golden spoon, by hook or crook become rich man that everyone knows. He is a \PRACHARA PRIYA\".
I have no enmity with Masood, whatever I wrote it is fact and people from Muslim Community of Kudroli and Jodu Palli knows. With regard to Halal and Haram, he is answerable to Allah."
hey hang on Mr. George. Are you appreciating a classless goon who can illegally trespassed to an institute to show his brutality. If you are an uneducated illiterate coward man I have no issues, but I don't think so, you must be well educated civilized white collared man. My advise is to you, always try to stand with the truth, bcoz the truth will prevail. if the victim has done something wrong, what is your role if you are a neighbor? just to advise them in a peaceful manner, he repeats just give a complaint at the nearest police station, that's all. Who is this Kishore, is he appointed by the government or the local body to punish for those who creates nuisance in that place. Hey guyz stand up as a team irrespective of any religion and raise your voice, if required raise your muscles against such nasty criminals and smack them down. don't let anyone to destroy your community in the name of religion or politics. Bring peace & prosper with your neighbors, live lively and peacefully.
Ibrahim Hussain Udupi, One word may Allah give you good sense and take away the hasad you have in you towards people. My advice to you is good deep and check the facts and also the number of good deeds him and his extended family members have done to our community. Allah is watching and he is the one to decide on being wrong or right. Gain respect not demand respect. Thank Arakul Riyadh for your advice and Allah will reward the one who does good deeds be it us, him or anyone else.
Mr. Ibrahim Hussain, Udupi and Mr. Mohammad Mangalore. Please for Allah's sake donot quarrel each other. We are Muslim and one Umma. We should not show our behavior for other religion. This is not the place for arguing. Whatever we wrote here should give answer to Allah (SWT) at the time of resurrection. Pray ALLAH for forgive us for our unwanted behavior.
May ALLAH bless us and follow the religion with the foundation of our beloved prophet Muhammad (S.A)
Mohammad Mangalore,
I don't think you were not born during the Mangalore Riots. I dont want to elaborate the incident that may be healthy in this forum. Masood is one of the opportunist Politician ever lived in the Mangalore. His popularity is nil, he has no people support in Bunder Area. No.2 businessmen of his relatives residing in Dubai and forest Wood thieves donated large amount to the college and a Madrasa near Jodupalli just to avoid income tax. You are wrong to say two Masjid were built by Tippu sultan, except Zeenat Baksh masjid. You are in dark days in this 21st century. I think you are henchman of Masood, who has low respect in Mangalore.
However, let the readers know what Central Committee did to this incident, clarify.
Third class guys can only support this type of students in the name of religion. shame on them as they are linking with their religion ...well done kishor .we support you.
I could see statements made by some non muslim brothers is really intensive which produces wrath among different communities. I have my condolences to the victim and his family. However, I strongly disagree with the action of the accused who could barge into college premises and assault the student. I am sure the reason for this attack is not the bike nor the roaring silencer , the real motive is something else. When the street dog becomes mad, there is no point of taking it for medical treatment, but it must be treated the way it should be treated. Hope the message is clear.
Ibrahim Hussain SS Udupi, Go check your history as per our knowledge Mr. Masood was married in the year 1966 and not 1965. THe riot was started by Putthan (beary) and this can be vouched by the urdu speaking persons of that locality. I will have to forgive your knowledge on when the two masjids were built in Jodupalli (it was in the time of Tippu Sultan). The two masjids were made one thanks to Mr Masood when he was the Chairman of the minority commission and the president of the mosque. For the college of Kashipattana there huge money was donated by Mr. Masood, his brother, brother in-laws and I can vouch that you are not one of them. Go to Bunder and check how many weddings of poor girls are being donated by them. Go and check the accounts of the Central committee and you will know how much money has been given to riot victims and innocent muslims be it for theirvpersonal heath or marriage. I know that he has personally given money from his own pocket many a times as I reside near his house. Come to Mangalore and check what the central committee has done and not stay in Udupi and comment. May Allah give you good sense.
Mohammed Mangalore,
I know Masood's old story. 1965/66 first Mangalore Hindu- Muslim riot was perpetrated by Masood family and entire community sufferred, and he is man behind the whole incident. Central committee is only doing the job of representing the memorandum to the DC or Police commissioner that's the end of it. No follow up or solution. Kudroli Two masjids one place? As per quran and hadees all muslims brothers and equal, then why this two Masjid's in one vicinity?
Regarding Kashipatna Girls college is not a charity college, its a commercialized educational institution. Did Masood pay full amount for this school building? Or what is his contribution, you have to elaborate.
Constructive criticism are always brings some sort of solution to problems, Mr. Mohammad.
Give me one example of one instance of Ullal Riots or Kavoor/Bajpe riots, what is the contribution to the victims of the riots by Central Committee?
Mohammed SS, It clearly shows how the muslim community is divided (Hanafi and Shafi). You point one finger at someone and the other 4 will point at you. If we have to postmortem the so called MUSLIM LEADERS whom you support (we very well know which language they speak) then all their wrong doings will spill out. Do not wash your dirty linen in public.
Dear Ibrahim Hussain, don't you remember Masood's old story, what you are expecting from him
Ibrahim Hussain Udupi, I can scense your jealousy in naming some politicians name when you do not know what good Mr. Masood has done to his community. Come to Jodupalli,Kudroli, Bunder etc and see. The Central committee is doing a good job and people like you are always there to point fingers at someone or the other. If you think you can do a difference stand for elections or let us know what good you do to out community. It is easy to write negative comment but to write a good one you need to be good at heart. By the way ask the Kazi of Mangalore what Mr. Masood has done and is doing for the community. go visit Kashipattana where a girls college is coming up go to Kudroli and visit the old age home for women. Come out of your dreams bro. Grow up and learn to appreciate.
The main mistake here is from parents. They should not provide either Motor Bike or Mobile to student. Let them start earning in their own, then let them buy Motor Bike, Car or Mobile or whatever they need.
Here one mistake made by home guard by handling law and order by himself by hitting him. It should not happen in future. There should be severe enquiry needed for both the party to find out the culprit behind this.
May Allah (swt) protect our all muslim Ummthis from bad and prohibited things.
Do home guards can handle law and order situation and arrest any one? They are third rate guards as Mr. Kishor. This matter have to be investigated and stripped out from the Home guard role.
Why only Muslim Students are vulnerable to arrest these days. Recently a Muslim student was tortured by the Police allegedly, having contact with the missing Girls were found in Kerala state.
Why muslim Central Committee led by former politician Masood is silent?
look at him. slept like a buffalo, he deserves more punishment, if some strange person is coming and beating a strange one?, readers must feel the pain behind that, making loud sound on the public road rash idriving is not a culture of civilized person
police must investigate the matter if any evidence of rash driving both must be punished kishor for taking law in hand and student for rash driving on public road.
who is he to beat the student, if they are doing rash driving let police take the action, he is targeting student because they are muslims, so intolerance. must take action against him in future there is no wonder if he enters the college and shoot students.
Good Work by kishor, this rash riders are not only killing themselves but also killing innocents.
i too heard silencer loud sound, all the way irritating pedestrians, its not about hindu or muslim, better to warn their parents before taking charges on them otherwise media will carry this headline mentioning the religion's name, each and every one should be punished.
Add new comment