PANJIM: “The growing influence of certain parties in spreading hate and division has created a dangerous situation in the country,” the vice-president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Prof Salim Engineer said during an interaction with the media recently.
Speaking on the sidelines of his visit to the State to meet religious heads of various communities alongwith JIH Goa President Asif Hussain, Engineer said that India is well known for its diversity where people from different religions, different mind-sets and thinking patterns stay together. “These people belonging to diverse beliefs and contrasting lifestyles played a significant role in the independence of India. They fought hand in hand with an unwavering trust and respect for each other that makes this country special,” he added.
Stating that few reasons have been contributing to the increase in communal violence and social disharmony, Engineer said “The growing influence of certain parties in spreading hate and division has created a dangerous situation. These political parties or politicians are trying to divert the attention of the people from issues or problems that require serious consideration. Their agenda is to make people fight over petty issues like religion especially at the time of elections.”
He furthger said that JIH strives to create awareness that religion is not a topic for conflict and destroy the diversity in India. “The religious leaders play a vital role in conveying this message to the people and encouraging each other to live in peace and harmony. The only way to eradicate this hate and misunderstanding created among people is to work together in brotherhood and respect one another by not falling prey to such propagandas that divide the people of India,” said Engineer.
He further said that creating an environment of religious harmony is the need of the hour and efforts should be made by every individual to promote peace, respect to one another and not to be misguided by those trying to spread hate and misunderstandings among the people of India.
