A number of incidents of growing intolerance in India have sparked a new debate. People from various strata of the society have raised their strong voices against the environment of intolerance. In an interview with Mohammed Younus in Hyderabad, Vice President, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Syed Sadatullah Husaini says that India is not at cross-roads as its strengths are diversity and democracy. Below are the excerpts edited by S M Fasiullah.
How do you see recent incidents of communal polarisation and intolerance in the country?
Incidents taking place in the country these days indicate intolerance and communal polarisation, and this seems to be a unique phase of history in post-independent India. But I disagree that this intolerance has penetrated in the larger section of Indian masses. I believe that Indians are pluralist in nature and are largely tolerant. I see these incidents as the handiwork of political parties and other fascist forces who always try to break the threads of communal harmony in our society. These incidents are in low volume, but high in intensity. These are serious in nature and society must take note of it.
How do these incidents impact India’s nature of diversity and unity at the global level?
Apparently, those who are involved in these alarming communal incidents are indeed aiming to dividing society and create distrust among people of different faith. But India’s biggest strengths are diversity, democracy and economic growth. I think these strengths are in danger at global level when communal incidents rise in the country. Also, economy may not grow when one community or the other lives in continuous fear.
Do you think the political class wants to achieve something sinister by breaking the pluralistic nature of Indian society?
The people behind these incidents are involved in sloganeering of cultural nationalism and majoritarianism. They want to impose their cultural hegemony over others. We don’t want to comment on whether the ruling class is involved in this or not. But there is an underlying fact that such communal elements have garnered strength after BJP-led Government came into power in 2014. Now if the government wish to convey the message that it is not behind these communal and hate mongering elements then it must curb such activities. It’s the responsibility of the government to ensure safety and security of its citizens and to foil every attempt to disrupt the peace and harmony in the society.
Some people opine that religion is the reason behind these incidents and it creates hatred towards people of other faith? How far do you agree with this opinion?
Various studies have been conducted on the communal violence. But no one has suggested that religion is the cause of social disturbances. Communities of different faith and customs have always lived together for centuries in this country. Moreover, communal polarisation has never been the widespread phenomenon in the country. Even in the medieval period, there were no such incidents.
The communal agenda is an absolutely modern phenomenon which has come up in the country after the British rule. So it’s always wrong to say that religion is responsible for such communal flare ups. Even in non-religious society there would be different identities, and conflict may arise out of the difference in the identities. A matured society is one that tolerates and stands together despite various identity conflicts.
Who is the beneficiary of communal incidents in this country?
It’s very evident that the recent events are politically motivated. So the people with vested political interests are trying to benefit out of it.
How should the common man react to such incidents?
Sadat: A common man should understand sinister agendas of hate-mongering people and should not fall in their trap. Here, social organisations, NGOs, academia, social activists and civil society must play greater role to keep the society united and foil the hate mongering designs. Communication gap between different communities and attitude polarisation are the main reasons for communal tensions. People of one faith remain ignorant about the people of another faith. Intercommunity communication should increase to bridge the trust gap between the communities. Miscommunication should be countered at all possible levels. Especially kids are misinformed about Muslims through textbooks. Civil society should take notice of it.
You have pointed out that such communal incidents carry the silent endorsement of the Government. Do you think that such incidents have risen up enormously because of the Central Government or there is something different to be viewed at?
Communal tensions have a long history in post-colonial India. Imperialist design of divide and rule has caused much damage to this country. After independence, some political groups have carried the imperialist legacy and continued to divide the communities to garner their votes in electoral politics. But it is true that communal forces have found encouragement after the new government has come to power at the centre. The government must act tough to allay the belief that it’s soft on hate-mongering elements. Rather, the members of the government and the ruling party are involved in flaring up the communal tensions. The government must either stop them or disown them.
As several artists, authors and filmmakers have come up on streets to raise the protest against growing intolerance. Do you see any benefit when elite is joining hands with common people in this fight against hatred?
It will definitely bear fruitful results in the near future. Award Wapsi is not the actual event to be noted. But what is important is that there is absolute restlessness among our artists, authors, filmmakers, scientists and public intellectuals against this current environment of hate and intolerance. It’s the beauty of our country that public conscience does not accept any kind of hatred and intolerance. What is more importantly needed is that more peace loving people should come forward and join hands to silence the hate mongers.
Is there any programme from Jamaat to counter these communal flare ups?
Jamaat has been active on this front from day one. We have always wanted communal harmony and peace in the society and believe that no hatred should flourish. Jamaat strives to increase the communication among the communities. Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity is one important forum Jamaat has promoted to spread the message of communal harmony and brotherhood among different communities. Dharmik Jan Morcha is another initiative Jamaat has started to bring religious leaders on one platform. At village and town levels, Sadbhavna Manch is formed. There is also a need to work on the legal front to counter these communal passions. And Association for Protection of Civil Rights is working on this front.
How should Muslims respond to these events?
The first thing is that Muslims should not be disappointed over these situations. They should also check themselves from any kind of extremism. The enemy forces want Muslims to get provoked and exhibit the communal attitude in response to these events.
Communication should be increased at all possible levels using modern social media tools. Non-Muslims should be given the message of Islam. Muslims should also make progress in education and economy and should become the contributor to the country. We are seen as a liability, and we should show ourselves as the assets of the country.
What is the role of clerics in this situation?
They have a bigger role to play. They should educate the masses to refrain from un-Islamic tendencies.