It is time for sanity to prevail in the subcontinent. India must revert to Mahatma Gandhi’s approach of interfaith harmony, tolerance and non-violence, while Pakistan must adopt the Quaid-i-Azam’s vision of a modern democratic welfare state. The region has to shed the hate-inspired Hindutva ideology.
Vigilante groups under Narendra Modi’s rule are involved in mob lynching of innocent Muslims, demolishing mosques and other historical sites built during the Mughal era. Muslims in India-occupied Kashmir have been subjected to endless repression, humiliation and hatred.
These are ideal conditions for angry young men and women to resort to armed resistance. It was this very mindset that had incited Sikhs to rise up in revolt. Such acts of repression and disproportionate use of force by the Indian army are the breeding ground for insurgencies.
Modi and his extremists are damaging India. While Pakistan has taken several steps to disband and eliminate hardline groups in the country, the irony is that India has patronised its own extremists who are involved in brutal attacks on minority communities. Pakistan has suffered and learned its lessons, while India is just starting its unfortunate journey. One hopes that they will stop while they still can.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
LAHORE
