Author: Firoz Bakht Ahmed
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: August 1, 2008
Ahmedabad and Bangalore, like many others,
are global cities and the terror that struck these two State capitals on consecutive
days too is a global phenomenon. As a human being and an Indian Muslim, I
literally wept over the needless deaths of those who died or were maimed.
In the last decade, a significant number of
moderate Hindus have started supporting anti-secular and anti-minority groups
that want to transform India into a theocratic nation. This bodes ill for
the country. The situation calls for introspection by Muslims, India's largest
minority community. Owing to the ghastly deeds of the jihadis, a majority
of peace loving Muslims who believe in the unity and integrity of India, have
become the target of much hatred.
Muslims should put themselves in the shoes
of these newly converted Right-wing forces. They should put themselves in
their minds, eyes and souls. From that vantage point, they should look at
happenings in India and their community. They should understand why moderate
Hindus have changed. Terrorism has rightfully left many Hindus insecure and
angry.
The Students Islamic Movement of India, Shahi
Imam Bukhari, fanatics in Coimbatore and Maharashtra, the calls for jihad
and the distribution of inflammatory posters have enraged middle class Hindus.
Minor issues, like a few Muslim leaders opposing the singing of the Vande
Mataram on national occasions, adds fuel to fire. The situation gets aggravated
because moderate and secular Muslims, who are in a majority, do not get involved
in their community's civic affairs. If any member of the Indian Mujahideen,
Lashker-e-Tayyeba, Al Qaeda, Harkat-ul-Ansar, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen,
Sipah-e-Sahaba and others is found anywhere, he should immediately be shot
like the military trials in Iran, as all committed to desecrate peaceful coexistence
and harmony must also pay by dying. The jihadis have been slaughtering innocent
lives and they too must be paid back in the same coin.
Terrorists acting in the name of Islam cite
Palestine, Chechnya, and Iraq to justify the killing of innocent lives. They
have lost their moral compass. They misinterpret verses from the Quran to
justify their heinous designs. All secular Muslims must distance themselves
from such agents of hate.