Former US President Barack Obama's view on whether Muslim's are safe in India.

Former US President Barack Obama made a statement in a recent interview with CNN on June 22, 2023, that appears to suggest discomfort with India's growing prosperity under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Obama emphasised the importance of discussing the protection of the Muslim minority in a predominantly Hindu India during meetings between the US president and the Indian prime minister. However, this statement overlooks the fact that Muslims in India have been living safely for centuries, despite being surrounded by a large Hindu community. India is not only a secular state but also a diverse democracy where people of different religions, castes, and ethnicities coexist with equal rights. The unity of the Indian republic, which includes not distinguishing people based on their religion, caste, creed, colour, or ethnicity, should be acknowledged and defended against intentional attacks.

Are Muslims not safe in India.

Muslims have been living in India for hundreds of years, and although there have been occasional tensions between the two major communities, these differences have not resulted in humiliation for the Muslim community. In contrast, Muslims living in Muslim-majority countries have faced numerous challenges. For example, Pakistan separated from India to establish a state based on religious interpretations, but this move has led to an insecure life for many Muslims. Bomb blasts in mosques, state oppression against migrants, and tribal disputes among Muslims are just a few examples of the threats faced by them in certain countries. On the other hand, Indian Muslims have been living safely and are free to practice their religious beliefs according to their sectarian interpretations. Sunni and Shia Muslims both celebrate their festivals and rituals with complete freedom. Indian Muslims do not face threats from the majority community, the Constitution, or the ruling parties. Therefore, expressing concern for the protection of the so-called minority community is one made with nefarious designs.

Victimisation narrative of separatist mentality

It is undeniable that a few self-proclaimed Muslim intellectuals and scholars attempt to falsely portray themselves as victims by accusing the ruling party and the larger Hindu community. They have found support from individuals of other communities with opposing political views, who collaborate to distort the reality of the strong bond between the majority of both communities. Their intentions seem to be solely focused on blaming the majority community and playing the victim, even when the issues they raise have no direct connection to harming the Muslim community. The protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) serve as an example of such unfounded agitation by the Muslim community against the government. Additionally, certain Muslim scholars deliver ambiguous messages that further lead to misunderstandings and embarrassment for the community. The sufferings of the Muslim community in Jammu & Kashmir after the removal of Article 370 were also exaggerated by these so-called intellectuals and scholars. The success of the G20 tourism meet in Kashmir has demonstrated the decline of militancy in the region. No child of lesser Allah has died in Kashmir since August 5, 2019, in stone pelting clashes that used to be a weekly occurrence in Kashmir for 10 long years.