The Hindu : Front Page : Chidambaram decries violence in the name of religion

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Wednesday, Nov 04, 2009
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Chidambaram decries violence in the name of religion

Atiq Khan

“Communalism negated pluralism and opposed political freedom to people”

— PHOTO: AP

Home Minister P. Chidambaram at the general session of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in Deoband on Tuesday.

DEOBAND (SAHARANPUR): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday deplored violence in the name of religion and made a fervent appeal that more voices be raised against terrorism and all forms of violence, mainly communal strife. He said the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 was a manifestation of religious fanaticism. Communalism negated pluralism and opposed political freedom to people.

The civil society was based on a contract whose core was tolerance, sharper the differences the greater should be the tolerance level. “Spread the message of tolerance and strengthen the thread that binds the society,” Mr. Chidambaram said addressing the 30th general session of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) at Shaikhul Hind Nagar in Deoband here.

Indians shared a common cause and communalism could not be fought with mere rhetoric. The concept of tolerant civil society and political freedom had to be expanded. In the final analysis, political freedom alone could defeat communalism. The Prime Minister’s 15-point programme ensured freedom for all minorities, including Muslims.

While welcoming the “fatwa” (decree) against terrorism issued by the Darul Uloom, Deoband in February 2008, he called upon all right-minded people to condemn terror acts. The nation could not ignore its minorities and it was a self-evident rule that it was the duty of the majority to protect the minorities. It was this rule that led the Government of India to lodge a protest against the discrimination and denial of rights to the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka and the attacks on Indian students in Australia.

However, the roles were reversed in States such as Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab where the minorities constituted the majority. In Jammu and Kashmir, Muslims were bound by this rule and by the tenets of Islam to protect the minority community. Islam was not an alien faith and Muslims were the honoured citizens of the country.

Sonia’s message

A special message of greetings from UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was extended on behalf of her by Mr. Chidambaram.

Union Minister of State for Communications Sachin Pilot assailed the divisive forces and condemned terrorism. He said the country was united against terrorism.

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