The Pioneer > Amma Tujhe Salaam!

• The Pioneer
  

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  • Chandan Mitra
  • The Jamiat’s purpose in reviving the issue is all the more diabolical considering none can be physically forced to sing Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana, or Star Spangled Banner or God Save the Queen for that matter. Even if somebody has a serious objection to singing any anthem, why broadcast that from rooftops? By doing this, Maulana Madni has only succeeded in reinforcing the extremist Hindu view that a section of the Muslim community is intrinsically disloyal to India, that they hoist Pakistani flags during cricket matches and, therefore, the jarring slogan “Hindustan mein rehna hoga, toh Vande Mataram kehna hoga” is fully justified.
  • I find such stereotyping repugnant and objectionable, but shouldn’t Muslim theologians and political leaders ask themselves if men like Maulana Mandi are rehnuma (protector) or dushman (enemy) of the community? I believe the timing of the controversy’s revival was deliberate. Over the last few years, Hindu-Muslim relations have been improving across the board, minor clashes in small towns notwithstanding. Clearly, this is not to the liking of some powerbrokers in the Muslim community.