Why we are all not terrorists

Of late sharper emphasis and focus are being accorded to haunting questions related to Muslims8217; standing in Indian society. Secularists...

Of late sharper emphasis and focus are being accorded to haunting questions related to Muslims8217; standing in Indian society. Secularists need to spare a thought to a mundane, even crude, question: What prevented them from turning to terrorism and/or communalism? What? Probably an overwhelming majority would simply answer that they have never even been struck by this question. Each had 8212; and has 8212; a future to look forward to, a dream gradually turning into reality.

Caught in the gunfight between the authorities and terrorists, the common Indian Kashmiri is probably not even aware whether he/she will live till the next day. But rarely have Indians from the rest of the country, no matter what their religion, given much thought to ordinary Kashmiris caught in the crossfire. Giving importance to their being alienated is justified. However, this alienation does not hold true for the entire Indian Muslim community. Rather, a rudimentary analysis suggests that the ordinary Muslim is not a foolish consumer. Pragmatism has stopped him from even sympathising with Kashmiri Muslims. There is the risk factor of being instantly labelled anti-national.

A rudimentary glance at the professional standing of ordinary Muslims brings forth several interesting points. They are acknowledged as good cooks, tailors, barbers, butchers, carpenters, car mechanics and so forth. Interaction with several Muslims in these fields reveals they have received the minimum education necessary to be able to read and write. Education, it is reckoned, would not necessarily guarantee them jobs. Discrimination and bias in offices would only bar their entry, or progress. So, their option is to establish independent ventures, whether as fruit-sellers, car mechanics or otherwise. Even well-placed Muslims in the business community have risen to the top through independent ventures.

Each Indian is a good businessman. When services the of a good carpenter, car mechanic or anyone else are needed, religion matters little. This is the strong side of Indian secularism.

Communalism has, however, also tended to surface when unethical business sense prompts one community to target flourishing businesses of other community members. In most areas, such communalism has become unacceptable. This explains why Old Delhi market areas have closed their roadways to communal violence that would disturb their business.

A point that has been harped upon is the absence of any towering leader among Muslims. Muslims8217; passive attitude towards noise being made about absence of a strong leader amidst them suggests that they would rather be considered part of the national mainstream than be designated a separate political group.

Another question doing the rounds is, what is preventing Muslims from gifting away the disputed site at Ayodhya for a temple? The court8217;s verdict carries a lot of importance because the Babri Masjid was demolished. 8216;8216;Gifting8217;8217; the land would be equivalent to giving a license to extremists to target other mosques they lay claim to.

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Over the past years and decades, in the perennial fight against communalism, secularism has held its ground because of the common Indian8217;s shrewd business sense. Here, he has an edge over his American counterpart. A wise consumer with a good business sense cannot be fooled by excellent packing/advertising devoted to selling a bad product. Yes, even if in the garb of religious rhetoric, politicians try to make their mark among Indian voters, they would be chasing a mirage.

If the Ayodhya issue has not helped the BJP in sweeping the polls in the very state that is the epicentre of its religious hype, Uttar Pradesh, the credit goes to the voter8217;s pragmatism.

Like-wise, the Islamic label has failed to turn each and every Indian Muslim into a terrorist.