Indian minister Rijiju faces criticism for dismissing concerns over Muslim safety
New Delh: Indian Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has come under sharp criticism after asserting that claims of Muslims being unsafe in India amount to maligning the country’s image, despite recurring reports of attacks on Muslims, demolition of their homes and places of worship, hate speeches and other incidents of religiously motivated violence, particularly in BJP-ruled states.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a recent media interview, Rijiju said that portraying minorities, especially Muslims, as unsafe in India was a disservice to the country and an attack on its character.
Responding to remarks, prominent Indian fact-checker Mohammed Zubair cited recent incidents targeting Muslims, including a case in Gujarat where a Muslim migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh was intimidated by Hindutva activists and forced to vacate his rented accommodation in a Hindu-majority locality. He said those present at the scene were seen cheering the act, while the accused openly shared the video on social media, confident that no action would be taken against him. He further said Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi will not ask police to take action against the goons.
Zubair said such incidents have become increasingly normalised and often go unaddressed, while also drawing attention to hate speeches targeting Muslims and the growing climate of intolerance in the country. He also drew attention towards the hatred being spread by government’s news channel Doordarshan.
Senior Indian journalist Suhasini Haider rejected Rijiju’s assertion, saying it is those who threaten and assault minorities with impunity who damage the nation’s image, not those who report such incidents.
Prominent Indian academic and rights activist Apoorvanand also criticised the minister’s remarks, arguing that attempts to silence discussion on attacks against minorities only deepen concerns over their safety and rights in India. He said: “What @KirenRijiju means is that let our men harass, beat, bulldoze and kill Muslims and Christians, but do not talk about it.”
