I am a Muslim and, therefore, I am deeply aware of the 1400 years of achievements and traditions of Islam. I would not want to lose any part of that history. My country of origin is India and I am proud of it. I feel part of a huge national family and I feel part of the contribution every Indian makes towards making up of the nation as a whole.
It seems to me that it was India's destiny to become a crossroads for many different races, cultures and religions. Since the beginning of time people from all parts of the globe have passed in and out of India and the process continues to this day.
We have all experienced the after-effects of 9/11 and the threat of international terrorism. But it strikes me that the international terrorist movement does not seem to have permeated the hearts and minds of the average Indian Muslim. Perhaps this is due to the fact that our political and social infrastructure was founded on the principles of a pluralistic constitution. To many uninformed minds, Islam and terrorism are one and the same despite the fact that there are many other terrorist organisations from all the other religions.
Indeed, India itself has been a victim of cross border terrorism. Hindus and Muslims alike have been its targets. In case of Jammu and Kashmir religion has very little to do with religious conflict and is more to do with political and commercial gains, which have no regard for the interests and wishes of the ordinary citizen.
{{/usCountry}}Indeed, India itself has been a victim of cross border terrorism. Hindus and Muslims alike have been its targets. In case of Jammu and Kashmir religion has very little to do with religious conflict and is more to do with political and commercial gains, which have no regard for the interests and wishes of the ordinary citizen.
{{/usCountry}}Terrorism and religion are not only incompatible they are two completely opposite ways of life. At the heart of all the major reputable world religions are love and compassion for one's fellow human beings, while at the heart of terrorism is hatred and a thirst for revenge. Through inter-faith dialogue and communication we can all help to improve mutual understanding. Terrorists very often argue that they have no other way to make themselves heard and that, because of religious or economic injustice, their desperate actions are their final and only options.
Correcting any perceived injustice, in the long term, can only come about by analysis, debate and engagement. Two wrongs can never make a right. Religious extremism also stems from unfounded, but nevertheless perceived, threat to existence and way of life and here again dialogue is the key. Violence creates a vicious circle which makes reconciliation very difficult to achieve.