RIYADH, 19 October — The litmus test of Indian democracy is how well it treats its minorities and provides them with equal opportunities to fulfill their aspirations, said Shekar Gupta, editor-in-chief of Indian Express, one of India’s largest-selling newspapers .
The recent anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat, where the state government colluded with the mob through “systematic, planned violence” have not only undermined India’s image abroad. They have also played into the hands of Pakistan, which had never questioned India’s secular credentials before.
Gupta was speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of Sir Syed Day dinner organized by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys’ Association on Thursday. The function was presided over by Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad.
Other guests were Mahesh C. Gupta, Islam Habib, AMU’s old boys, Muhammad Azam Khan, leader of the opposition in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh Assembly, and Iqbal Mehmood Khan, a legislator of Samajwadi Party in UP.
Pointing out that the Gujarat riots constituted a “frontal attack on the soul of India” and on the foundations of Indian democracy, the veteran journalist said these ugly events, together with the pronouncements of Indian politicians, raise doubts about India’s standing abroad.
Gupta said one of the facts not highlighted in the media is the sacrifices Muslims made in repelling Pakistani occupation of the Kargil heights during the 2000 Indo-Pakistani stand-off.
“Out of the 482 Indian soldiers killed, 38 were Muslims, or eight to nine percent of the total number of casualties.”
At this point, Azam Khan interjected: “If we are inducted in the army in larger numbers, we’ll make 100 percent sacrifices.” Earlier, the ambassador paid tributes to Sir Syed, the founder of Aligarh Muslim University.
Azam Khan called upon the Aligarians to look beyond their interests of material comforts and channel their energies into the fight against those bent on tarnishing India’s image as a secular democracy.
Iqbal Mehmood Khan exhorted the AMU alumni to carry forward the rich traditions of their university everywhere.
Among the other speakers were Abdul Ahad Siddiqui, president of AMU Old Boys’ Association, who also introduced the guests. Suhail Ahmad was the master of ceremonies.
