Muslims Are Being Specifically Targeted In A Hindu’ Rashtra

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 1 March 2024 Yahi Sila Milta Hai Bhale Kaam Ka Be-Ghar Kar Diya Jaata Hai, Be-Naam-Sa Sada Layalpuri (This is what one gets after doing something good/ He's rendered homeless like a non-descript) Hum Phool Hain Auron Ke Liye Laaye Hain Khushboo/Apne Liye Le-De Ke Bas Ek Daagh Mila Hai ----- Rat-hole miner Wakeel Hassan's (R) house was demolished by the DDA on February 28 | Photo: India Today ------ Delhi Development Authority on Wednesday carried demolition drive in Khajoori Khas to remove encroachment from its land and in the process house of Wakeel Hassan, a rat-hole miner recognised for his efforts in rescuing 41 workers trapped at Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel in Nov, was also demolished. Claiming that the action was taken without any prior notice and only his house was demolished, Hassan said “I demanded papers or notice from the authority officials who reached the site with the police but there was no reply from them." Wakeel Hassan's predicament reminds me of Sahir's poignant couplet from his immortal song, sung by Talat Mahmood, 'Ashkon Ne Jo Paaya Hai Woh Geeton Mein Diya Hai' (Film: Chaandi Ki Deewaar, 1964): Hum Phool Hain Auron Ke Liye Laaye Hain Khushboo/ Apne Liye Le-De Ke Bas Ek Daagh Mila Hai (I'm a flower that has brought fragrance for all/But for myself, I'm happy with a scar). This demolition raises questions about the underlying motives behind targeting an individual lauded for his valour and humanitarian contributions. It also reminds us of Dr Kafeel Ahmad Khan, the paediatrician, who selflessly served the patients in times of crisis, only to be imprisoned later! This happened in Adityanath’s UP. There's no gainsaying the fact that something sinister is going on, however hard you may deny it. Muslims are being specifically targeted in a Hindu' Rashtra. Dr Muhammad Iqbal lamented in his 'Shikwa' (Complaint against god) 'Rahmatein Hain Teri Aghiyaar Ke Kaashanon Par/ Barq Girti Hai Toh Bechare Musalmaanon Par' (All your grace is on the abodes of the strangers / Alas, the blitzkrieg always falls on Muslims). What Iqbal wrote in 1909, assumes much greater significance in the current times of discrimination and destruction. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/muslims-specifically-hindu-rashtra/d/131828 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism