Dr Vedapratap Vaidik
The controversial remark on Prophet Muhammad has become a subject of hot debate within in India and in certain Islamic countries. The two BJP officials have unconditionally apologized for their contentious remarks, but the issue is still to subside. The Indian government has also not taken any side in this issue. However, instead of putting the controversy to rest, efforts are made to drag it endlessly like the epical Draupadi vasthrakshepam.
The Delhi police have already booked 31 fringe elements for trying to whip up communal tension. It is alarming, a few Islamic fanatics have declared millions as reward for those who behead the two BJP officials or chop off their tongue.
It is surprising; no one is sure why the remarks were made on Prophet Muhammad and what was the substance of those remarks. Many have come open favoring and some opposing the remarks and their number is swelling. The same is the case with Islamic countries.
Pakistan which is in disarray on multiple grounds is trying to capitalize on the controversy. Pak Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the ousted premier Imran are vying with each other in accusing and denigrating India India. A temple in Karachi has been vandalized. The Shahbaz government is alert about the possibility of a massive attack on the minority Hindus in Pakistan. Swords are drawn between the Maldivian government and its opposition.
Just as Pakistan’s Parliament has passed a resolution condemning India, the Maldivian opposition leaders wanted to pass a resolution in their Parliament as well. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is trying its best to raise this matter even in the forums of the United Nations. Abdulla Shahid of Maldives is the current President of the United Nations General Assembly. He became the president defeating Pakistan, but he is taking a very moderate stand on this issue.
We have to admire Iran, because even during the controversy their foreign minister visited India and opened new dimensions of mutual cooperation.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has 57 members, but not more than a dozen of them expressed their discontent with India. The rest of the members are yet to figure out the real issue of this Prophet-controversy. The leaders of the opposition parties of India, especially the Congress, are getting exposed with their ludicrous statements.
It has to be appreciated that the average Muslims in India have maintained self-control. Some prominent Muslim organizations have also expressed their satisfaction over the action taken by BJP against their spokespersons. But the hardliners on both sides are stuck to their stand. They are continuing their hate campaign as usual, with no respite.
India and the Islamic nation are currently grappling with many serious challenges. Instead of fighting them united, or trying to do those things that could amplify the admiration of their religious icons, they are increasingly getting entwined in such trivial issues.
*Dr. Vaidik is a widely travelled scholar-journalist. He has visited more than 80 countries on diplomatic and educationalmissions. Dr. Vaidik has won more than a dozen National and International awards for academic and journalistic excellence. He has been a member of several Advisory Committees of Government of India.
