Council of Indian Muslims (UK)

By Razi Raziuddin

Scrutinizing and analyzing all the stories of the recent past regarding the bomb blasts and the police actions, an "image of perception" seems to be in the making in the psyche of ordinary and common Indians, that out there in the vastness of our Indian landscape (few or many) Muslims have embraced terrorism disturbing and destroying the peace and progress of India. From what we have witnessed it can be justifiably argued that the custodians of law and security agencies, under the rule of secular NDA government have been in the forefront in "implanting" this perception into the minds of Indian citizenry. The majority of mainstream and vernacular Indian media also appears to be hand in glove in radiating this perception.

In the fashion these events and post-events are being displayed, propagated, discussed and then interpreted by this collaborative team (of media and police), leaves no doubt that there is some sort of "pogrom" to destabilize and disturb the Muslim community's confidence and living. This feeling has certainly crept into the minds of a majority of Indian Muslims, even into the minds of very educated moderate and secular Indian Muslim class.

This consequential outcome, if it is true, is the most unfortunate misfortune for not only Indian Muslims but also for India. Because once such a feeling finds place into the hearts and minds of a targeted populace, the levelling fields change.

Presently, this "implanted" perception has become the "operative truth"; the working road-map for those who envisioned this strategy. Mopping has become easier, targeting justified.

In this shrewd "pogrom" perhaps two forces are in play, both for their own interests, and separately;

1. The Hindutva forces, who lack an agenda to steal power. What could be more powerful for their followers than establishing this link of Muslims as terrorists?
2. The secular NDA led by Congress, scoring a few more seats to be on their own, by attracting the softer Hindutva elements to their side.

If it is this game-plan, in this the Indian police and home-ministry appears to be the most active player, led by a known Muslim-unfriendly Home minister.

And, if nothing of the above is closer to reality, then two other alternative conclusions can be drawn:

1. that the Indian law and security agencies are anti-Muslim, and not professional, and target Muslims deliberately to hide their own deficiencies and ineptness.
2. that these agencies are aware of the involvements of other than Muslims, but are sympathetic to their cause and hence the "non-targets' as the real targets.

The alternative (post-) Script: that indeed some elements of the Indian Muslim community have embraced the path of militancy to express and translate their frustrations, in the wake of all their miseries and sufferings in this freed and secular democratic India. But to prove this, the Indian State and India media has to act professionally, fairly, judiciously, and not brazenly and communally.

The onus is on this government and the present-day media, both of which have displayed their insensitivity and biasness.

The onus on the Muslims of the land is to rise up under the banner of Constitution and the civic liberties. Do what Dalits have done. Do what Gujjars have done: dump each and all who have been deservedly found deliberately against you; boycott those who have tortured your lives, and then make fresh alliances with sincere forces, with pre-conditions.

There comes a time in the life of a community when an "ENOUGH" becomes the sole rallying cry for your own "tryst with a destiny". The avenues and paths open up with the sheer will and force of that tryst.

" apni dunya aap paida kar agar zindoN meiN hai"