As a mark of protest against rising intolerance against minority communities in India, human rights campaigner and social activist Shabnam Hashmi returned her National Minority Rights Award to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on Tuesday.
Stating that marginalisation of minority communities has become the norm under the present regime, Ms. Hashmi handed over the award, which was conferred to her in 2008, NCM director T.M.Skaria.
Slams government
In a letter addressed to the Commission members, Ms. Hashmi wrote: “I am returning it [the award] in memory of the innumerable innocent victims lynched by marauding mobs”, adding that the current atmosphere in the country is laden with “fear and terror” and “Islamophobia”.
“For the first time, an entire Cabinet has boycotted the Iftar dinner hosted by the President. This reflects how they have defied the Constitution, in a way, and don’t care about it. These are all signals that India is inching towards fascism,” said Ms. Hashmi.
The activist added that it is about time that people raise their voice against the atrocities being committed by the State.
“[Prime Minister] Narendra Modi has scared people to the extent that now they are scared to raise their voice. But it is important to raise one’s voice, especially when it is the most difficult time to do so.” she said.
Calling the current regime’s actions an attack on democracy, Ms. Hashmi said: “We as activists can register our protest by peaceful means. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be working. Nevertheless, we will continue this protest against such attacks, not only on minorities, but also on farmers, artistes, intellectuals and the freedom of expression”.
