Naqvi attacks OIC over 'Islamophobia' allegations; says India heaven for Muslims

Mirity Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Tuesday hit out at OIC for its criticism of India over alleged incidents of "Islamophobia", saying country is "heaven for Muslims" and those trying to vitiate atmosphere of prosperity cant be friends of Indian Muslims.

Asserting that social, ecomic and religious rights of Muslims are secure in India, Naqvi said "secularism and harmony" is t a "political fashion", but a "perfect passion" for India and Indians.

Naqvi’s sharp retort come two days after 57-member prominent international Mulim grouping, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), asked India to take "urgent steps" to protect rights of its mirity Muslim community and stop incidents of "Islamophobia" in country.

"We are doing our job with conviction. prime minister whenever he speaks, he talks about rights and welfare of 130 crore Indians. If somebody cant see this, n it is ir problem. India's Muslims, its mirities, all its sections of society, are prosperous and those people trying to vitiate this atmosphere of prosperity, y cant be friends of Indian Muslims," minister told reporters when asked about OIC’s criticism.

On some scholars in Gulf nations censuring India for alleged crimes against Muslims, Naqvi asserted, "India is a heaven for Muslims and mirities. If somebody is saying something with a prejudiced mindset, n he should look at ground reality…”.

Muslims have been empowered in last five years in various spheres and have an equal share in progress of country, he said.

“In this country, re is such a large population of Muslims. An analysis of ir educational, social and ecomic conditions in last five years should be looked at, ir share in government jobs has increased and y have been educationally and ecomically empowered," Naqvi said.

Asked about Maulana Az National Urdu University Chancellor Firoz Bakht Ahmed's suggestion that lockdown be extended till May 24 to cover period of Ramzan, Naqvi said government has been taking steps at appropriate times.

Muslims have h an equal share in progress of all sections and if India is progressing, community is also progressing, he asserted.

"We should ensure that our strength of unity in diversity' is t weakened under any circumstances. Professional bogus bashing briges" are still active and conspiring to spre misinformation, Naqvi said.

Cautioning against fake news and conspiracies aimed at spreing misinformation, he said authorities have been working for safety and well-being of all citizens, and rumour-mongering and conspiracies are a "nefarious design" to weaken fight against coronavirus.

"Under leership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, entire country is united in fight against coronavirus by breaking all barriers of caste, religion and region" and cooperation has brought great relief to India in war against COVID-19, but still several challenges are re before country, he ded.

Speaking about holy month of Ramzan, which is to start from April 24 or 25, Naqvi said all Muslim religious leers, imams as well as religious and social organisations have jointly decided to offer prayers and perform or religious rituals during Ramzan staying inside ir home.

More than 30 state waqf boards have alrey started working on a strategy to ensure strict and honest implementation of lockdown, curfew and social distancing during Ramzan with cooperation of Muslim community after a decision in this regard was taken during a meeting, chaired by Naqvi through video-conferencing, last week.