Latest news with #IndianMuslims
Scroll.in
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
From Assam to Haryana, arbitrary arrests of social media users make a mockery of the Constitution
It has been just over three weeks since the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor as a response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead. Since then, the military action has been used as a cover to crack down on social media users across the spectrum. In Assam, 81 'anti-nationals' have been arrested for 'sympathising' with Pakistan, the chief minister said on Sunday. Arrests in the wake of the military action have also been reported from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Tripura, Haryana and Maharashtra, though an exact number is not known. The case that garnered the most attention was the arrest on May 18 of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad. In a Facebook post, he pointed to the irony of Hindutva commentators praising Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had represented the Army during media briefings, even as they ignored the mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing of homes and other hate crimes against Indian Muslims. When the Supreme Court granted Mahmudabad interim bail on May 21, Justice Surya Kant declared that the professor should have used ' neutral language ' rather than using words with 'dual meaning'. On Friday, the Kolkata police travelled to Gurugram to arrest 22-year-old Sharmishtha Panoli, an Instagram influencer and law student, for a video posted on social media that allegedly hurt religious sentiments. In the video, which Panoli deleted after a backlash online, she questioned the 'silence' of Bollywood celebrities on the military operation and also made remarks about Islam. Bharatiya Janata Party MP, actress Kangana Ranaut, called for Panoli to be released immediately, despite the 'unpleasant words' she used in her video. The language used in the video was distasteful and far from being 'neutral' – but that should not matter. In these actions, it has become clear that there is a heavy price to pay for contrariness of any kind in India. In this climate, one would think politically 'neutral' individuals would be safe from public criticism. But earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was attacked on social media for simply doing his job, after he announced at a media briefing that a ceasefire had been reached with Pakistan. Even his daughter was dragged into the controversy as trolls blamed him for the decision rather than the political establishment that made it. In the battle between political and ideological agendas, a disquieting silence is being forced on the famously argumentative Indian. Arrests of this sort make a mockery of the right to freedom of speech and expression enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Rising Islamophobia in India alarming: FO
Pakistan on Saturday expressed deep concern over the growing number of Islamophobic incidents across India and warned that the deliberate incitement of religious hatred for political or ideological purposes violates India's international human rights obligations. Responding to media queries, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, in a statement, said Pakistan strongly condemned the targeting of Muslims through hate speech, discriminatory policies, and acts of violence, reportedly carried out with the complicity or silence of Indian authorities. "Pakistan calls upon the Indian government to uphold the rights and safety of all its citizens, regardless of faith," the spokesperson said, warning that the deliberate incitement of religious hatred for political or ideological purposes was in violation of India's international human rights obligations. Khan added that such actions, at a time when restraint and reconciliation are most needed, further undermine prospects for communal harmony and regional stability. The statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following New Delhi's accusations — leveled without evidence — linking Islamabad to the Pahalgam attack in IIOJK. The Pakistani government has strongly rejected the allegations. Human rights organisations, including the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), have recorded at least 21 incidents of anti-Muslim violence across India in the days following the attack. These include physical assaults on Kashmiri Muslims, hate speeches at public rallies, and reported calls for the expulsion of Muslim students from hostels. The situation has been further inflamed by the rise of incendiary music aligned with Hindutva ideology. Songs disseminated widely through platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp have been accused of inciting hatred against Muslims. One such song, Pehle Dharam Pocha ("They Asked About Religion First"), surfaced shortly after the Pahalgam incident, accusing Indian Muslims of conspiring against Hindus. It has garnered over 140,000 views in less than a week. Other tracks such as Ab Ek Nahi Huye Toh Kat Jaaoge ("If You Don't Unite Now You Will Be Slaughtered") and Jaago Hindu Jaago ("Wake Up, Hindus") have called on Hindus to identify "traitors within the country"a phrase widely seen as a veiled reference to Muslims. In parallel with the online hate campaign, authorities in Gujarat reportedly demolished around 2,000 huts, which officials claimed were illegally occupied by undocumented migrants from Bangladesh. Activists, however, argue that the demolitions are part of a broader pattern of systemic discrimination aimed at portraying Indian Muslims as "outsiders".
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan says India violating human rights obligations through Islamophobic actions
Listen to article Pakistan on Saturday expressed deep concern over the growing number of Islamophobic incidents across India and warned that the deliberate incitement of religious hatred for political or ideological purposes violates India's international human rights obligations. In a statement responding to media queries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan strongly condemned the targeting of Muslims through hate speech, discriminatory policies, and acts of violence, reportedly carried out with the complicity or silence of Indian authorities. 'Pakistan calls upon the Indian government to uphold the rights and safety of all its citizens, regardless of faith,' the spokesperson said, warning that the deliberate incitement of religious hatred for political or ideological purposes was in violation of India's international human rights obligations. Khan added that such actions, at a time when restraint and reconciliation are most needed, further undermine prospects for communal harmony and regional stability. Read more: Indian Muslim's home demolished over 'Pakistan Zindabad' chant during cricket match The statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following New Delhi's accusations—leveled without evidence—linking Islamabad to the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The Pakistani government has strongly rejected the allegations. Human rights organisations, including the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), have recorded at least 21 incidents of anti-Muslim violence across India in the days following the attack. These include physical assaults on Kashmiri Muslims, hate speeches at public rallies, and reported calls for the expulsion of Muslim students from hostels. The situation has been further inflamed by the rise of incendiary music aligned with Hindutva ideology. Songs disseminated widely through platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp have been accused of inciting hatred against Muslims. One such song, Pehle Dharam Pocha ('They Asked About Religion First'), surfaced shortly after the Pahalgam incident, accusing Indian Muslims of conspiring against Hindus. It has garnered over 140,000 views in less than a week. Other tracks such as Ab Ek Nahi Huye Toh Kat Jaaoge ('If You Don't Unite Now You Will Be Slaughtered') and Jaago Hindu Jaago ('Wake Up, Hindus') have called on Hindus to identify 'traitors within the country'—a phrase widely seen as a veiled reference to Muslims. In parallel with the online hate campaign, authorities in Gujarat reportedly demolished around 2,000 huts, which officials claimed were illegally occupied by undocumented migrants from Bangladesh. Activists, however, argue that the demolitions are part of a broader pattern of systemic discrimination aimed at portraying Indian Muslims as 'outsiders' and pushing them further to the margins of society. Also read: Pakistan condemns Modi's Gujarat speech as 'reckless provocation' The demolitions have displaced thousands, worsening the precarious living conditions of affected families and contributing to a growing sense of insecurity within the community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government—widely seen as closely aligned with right-wing Hindu nationalist groups—has come under increasing criticism for its failure to curb hate speech and protect minority communities. Critics argue that the state's silence, and in some cases active participation, in anti-Muslim actions has emboldened extremist elements.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Anti-India resolutions of OIC countries hurts Indian Muslims": Indian envoy thanks Indonesia for supporting New Delhi's stand on terrorism
Jakarta (Indonesia), May 30 (ANI): Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, on Friday expressed concerns that anti-India resolutions by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hurt Indian Muslims. He also thanked Indonesia for supporting India's stand on terrorism, thwarting Pakistan's effort to criticise India on the Kashmir issue at a recent meeting of OIC Parliamentary Union held in Jakarta. Chakravorty questioned why countries friendly to India, including OIC members, would support such resolutions. Chakravorty highlighted that India is home to one of the largest Muslim populations globally, emphasizing the need for OIC countries to be mindful of this demographic reality. 'Anti-India resolutions of OIC countries hurts Indian muslims... Indonesia is a friend of India, why should other friends of India and OIC countries support this kind of resolution? We should be mindful that India is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world...,' said the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia. Notably, Pakistan's efforts to include criticism of India on the Kashmir issue in the OIC document were unsuccessful, thanks to the opposition from Indonesia, Egypt, and Bahrain. Pakistan's efforts to rally the 57-member OIC against India have been met with resistance. Many OIC member countries, which have cordial relations with India, have refused to toe Pakistan's line, dealing a blow to its diplomatic efforts. The Ambassador urged OIC countries that are friends of India to reconsider their stance on these resolutions. He emphasized the importance of recognizing India's diverse population and its commitment to unity in diversity. Chakravorty also emphasized the strong message conveyed by India's actions against terrorism, which has resonated with Indonesia, a country that has also faced terrorism. Both nations, with significant Muslim populations, share a mutual understanding of the threat posed by terrorism. 'The message that has been conveyed strongly is that whole India is behind the action that the government has taken, terrorism has no place in the modern world, and the Government of India has a zero tolerance policy. I think this has found resonance from the Indonesian side, as Indonesia suffers from terrorism. It has the largest Muslim population in the world, while India has the second-largest population, so there is a mutual understanding,' Chakravorty said. Chakravorty highlighted Indonesia's robust anti-terror program, including de-radicalisation initiatives, which India can learn from. He added, 'What was discussed was the Indonesian anti-terror program. Indonesia has anti-terror cooperation with many countries, including India. It also has a robust de-radicalisation program against violent and online extremism. These are the learnings we have from Indonesia.' As part of their official visit to Indonesia, the all-party parliamentary delegation from India, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, met with KH Ulil Abshar Abdalla, MA, Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), and Mr. Kholili Kholil, Committee Member of NU -- the world's largest Islamic organisation. The Indian delegation sought NU's unwavering support against violence and religious extremism. Emphasising the shared values of peace and unity between India and Indonesia, Sanjay Jha urged NU leaders to stand with India and condemn cross-border terrorism, sending a strong message to the global community. Both India and Indonesia, with the largest Muslim populations globally, uphold the principle of Unity in Diversity or Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as state policy and as a way of life. Condemning terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians, KH Ulil expressed deep solidarity with India, saying, 'I felt the pain of India,' and called for stronger cooperation between India and Indonesia to promote peace and economic development. The all-party delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, included prominent MPs such as Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lala, Pradan Baruah, Hemang Joshi from BJP, Abhishek Banerjee from TMC, John Brittas from CPI-M, along with Salman Khurshid and Mohan Kumar. Together, they sought to strengthen ties and garner support against cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Owaisi exposes Pakistan's false propaganda in Saudi: ‘There are 240 million proud Indian Muslims'
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticised Pakistan for supporting terrorism and spreading false narratives about Indian Muslims in Saudi Arabia. He refuted Pakistan's claims that it represents all Muslims, stating that India is home to a large, proud Muslim population. "There are 240 million proud Indian Muslims living in India, this is Pakistan's false propaganda that India is hurting them. This is the most unfortunate that Pakistan gives out a wrong message to the Arab world and the Muslim world – that we are a Muslim country and India is not," Asaduddin Owaisi added. He urged Pakistan to dismantle extremist groups, saying it would help bring peace to the region. "If Pakistan stops these takfiri terrorist groups, there will be stability in South Asia, there'll be progress in South Asia," he added. Owaisi further called on the international community to put Pakistan back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, a move that would increase scrutiny on Pakistan's financial system to prevent the funding of terrorist groups. He further warned Pakistan against training terror groups and trying to stir up religious tension in India, saying, "The whole task is to destabilise India, to create more Hindu-Muslim riots." Owaisi further exposed Pakistan by showing a photograph of Pakistan's army chief sitting next to a US-designated terrorist, "When this person (Asim Munir) was made a Field Marshal in Pakistan, a US-designated terrorist called Mohammad Ehsan was sitting right beside the Field Marshal. There are photographs of him shaking hands with this field marshal," he said. The AIMIM chief is part of a multi-party Indian delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, which is visiting several Gulf countries. The Indian delegation includes MPs from various parties, including BJP's Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, and Rekha Sharma, along with AIMIM's Owaisi, independent MP Ghulam Nabi Azad, Satnam Singh Sandhu, and Ambassador Harsh Shringla. The delegation aims to inform Gulf countries about India's counter-terrorism efforts and respond to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The delegation's goal is to counter misinformation about India's treatment of Muslims and promote its strong stance against terrorism.
