Mumbai, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party patron Mufti Muhammad Sayed has said that though the Prime Minister’s response to the divisive policies of certain elements did not come too soon but his assertion on inclusive and pluralistic character of country should help in sending right signals to the world that the idea of India would continues to offer inspiration for peaceful coexistence of communities and ethnicities.Responding to the PM Narindera Modi’s speech at Vigyan Bhawan Delhi, the other day, Mufti expressed hope that the assertion would prove as a turning point in silencing the loose cannons of extremist schools of thought. “Most of the people within the country and its well wishers outside have had a sense of unease for the past many months over the divisive practices followed by some fringe elements which had created apprehensions among the minorities and a large section of the majority community”, Mufti said in a statement, released here on Wednesday.“The inadequate response, so far, from the ruling party top brass had added to the feeling of scare and unease”, he said adding that the affirmation from the Prime Minister, though belated, has come as a breather for the minorities.He said that by its very nature India is an inclusive country and has established itself as the only civilization outliving all others in terms of diversity and cultural vibrancy. “No matter which party forms the government the core of this country will always live in the nation that is composed of all the major relations and countless cultural and linguistic diversities”, he said and added that the regimentation of thoughts and attempts at enforcing a single religious code is an antithesis of the ethos of India.
Mufti said that the Prime Minister Modi has earned his current status as head of world’s largest democracy on the promise and vision that India will soon grow into a global power. For that to happen, he said, it is necessary that the internal differences are harmonized into a creative energy and external challenges met with boldness and understanding.He said India is in a unique position to offer leadership to the world but for that it has to neutralize divisive forces within and first emerge as a genuine regional power wielding moral influence over its neighbours and helping them in taping the energies and resources of this region.Mufti expressed the hope that Modi’s clear message to trouble makers would go to the ground level and it would be followed up with action against the trouble makers.
He said that the minorities are an essential part of this country and they cannot be browbeaten or teased into a particular mold under any circumstances. “Indian civilization is distinguished from other civilizations of the world in respect of its continuity and heterogeneity, its accommodating ethos and its composite character”, he said adding that it is the diversity and religious tolerance which has made India iconic and transformed it into the world’s largest democracy.