Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
India

India's Muslims welcome Modi's gesture to Pakistan

Darpan News Desk Darpan, 24 May, 2014 06:18 PM
    India’s Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi’s gesture of inviting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony has raised hopes of a long-lasting peace between the arch rivals among Muslims of this country.
     
    In direct contrast to his election pitch - where he spoke of a toughened stand against Pakistan - Narendra Modi, by this single gesture, has given a delightfully unexpected turn to the diplomatic course in the region. As much as the gesture stunned the leadership across the border, it has aroused hope among the people in India and Indian Muslims, especially, are construing it as a portend of a happy turn of events.
     
    Muslims in India, the nation's largest minority, comprise 14 percent of its 1.2 billion people, and are the world's third largest Muslim population after Indonesia and Pakistan. 
     
    “It’s a very good step by Mr. Modi. Although we can’t expect all the festering wounds to heal overnight, but yes let me concede a very positive start has been made. We now hope that the issues between the two would also be solved in the near future,” Maulana Jalaluddin Umari, president, Jamat-e-Islami Hind, told IANS. 
     
    Equally upbeat is SQR Ilyas, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. “It’s a very happy start to a new innings. The step is likely to improve relations. It reminds us of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s era when much headway was made in diplomacy with Pakistan,” said Ilyas.
     
    “Poor relations with Pakistan are in no one’s interest. Both countries end up spending more than they normally should on defence, ruin bilateral trade and ultimately the common man suffers,” Ilyas told IANS..
     
     
    The invitation has allayed fears, at least for the moment, that relations with Pakistan may deteriorate under the Modi regime. 
     
    “Only communication can bridge the gap. The invite is a very good step, whatever the fear mongers may try to portray it as. Now, Pakistan should address India’s concerns and a healthy relationship should develop that promotes regional peace,” proffered Kamal Farooqi, a prominent Muslim voice and former chairman, Delhi Minorities Commission.
     
    The incumbent chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, Safdar H Khan, too sees the development as a welcome change. 
     
    “Both countries would benefit if good relations are maintained. In terms of trade, India can export machinery and edibles like tea to Pakistan that our neighbour is currently buying from other countries at a very high cost,” Khan told IANS. 
     
    However, amid the euphoria, some people are still sceptical about the durability of the dialogue process. 
     
    “We can only hope that our relations with Pakistan would improve. But in the past we have seen that Pakistan does not stand by its resolve for too long. So let’s not be too enthusiastic this time around,” said Mahmood Madani of Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind. 
     
    “But yes, the gesture of extending an invite to the Pakistan prime minister should be appreciated,” he said. 

    MORE India ARTICLES

    80 private schools to refund excess fees to parents: Delhi HC panel

    80 private schools to refund excess fees to parents: Delhi HC panel
    A panel set up by the Delhi High Court Friday recommended that 80 private schools have to refund the excess fees they charged in 2009 but did not pay salaries to their staff as per the Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations.

    80 private schools to refund excess fees to parents: Delhi HC panel

    Delhi Police launches Facebook page for NE people

    Delhi Police launches Facebook page for NE people
    People from the northeast residing in the national capital and even outside can now share their problems on Facebook with the Delhi Police Friday launching a page on the social networking site especially for them.

    Delhi Police launches Facebook page for NE people

    For J&K to prosper, article 370 must go: Nitin Gadkari

    For J&K to prosper, article 370 must go: Nitin Gadkari
    BJP leader Nitin Gadkari Friday said that for Jammu and Kashmir to prosper, article 370 of the constitution granting it special status must go.

    For J&K to prosper, article 370 must go: Nitin Gadkari

    Women's safety may play key role in Indian elections: Gallup poll

    Women's safety may play key role in Indian elections: Gallup poll
    Women in northern India feel less secure and have less faith in police, says a new poll and suggests these factors have the potential to play a significant role in the ongoing Indian parliamentary elections.

    Women's safety may play key role in Indian elections: Gallup poll

    India's trade deficit narrows to $10 billion in April

    India's trade deficit narrows to $10 billion in April
    India's trade deficit narrowed to $10.08 billion in April, sharply lower from $17.67 billion posted the corresponding month of last year, helped by lower imports and a modest increase in exports, government data showed Friday.

    India's trade deficit narrows to $10 billion in April

    Modi remains bookies' 'hot favourite' for PM

    Modi remains bookies' 'hot favourite' for PM
    BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi remained as the hot favourite for bookies and punters for becoming the next prime minister while Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi lagged a distant second, sources said here Friday.

    Modi remains bookies' 'hot favourite' for PM