New Delhi – RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is worried about the existing ‘atmosphere of disunity’ in the country, former Election Commissioner S.Y. Qureshi. On Wednesday, Bhagwat held a 75-minute meeting with five prominent members of the Muslim community. Qureshi was also involved in this. Qureshi was quoted by national media as saying the meeting was “constructive” and “candid” and issues of concern to both sides were discussed.
In the context of the Gyanvapi mosque case, an attempt was made to meet in August, a few weeks after Mohan Bhagwat came forward questioning the statement ‘to see if there is a Shiva lingam under every Muslim mosque’. Bhagwat expressed his concern for the RSS over the current state of affairs in the country.
“It was clear to him that he was panicking. He is not happy with the current state of disharmony in the country. It is completely wrong. Qureshi added that the country can move forward only through cooperation and harmony. “Bhagwat also talked about cow slaughter which upsets Hindus. But we said that it is as if the entire country has now implemented the ban on cow slaughter. Muslims are law abiding. If anyone violates it, it is a big mistake. There should be punishment for that.
When Bhagwat said that the word ‘kafir’ makes Hindus feel bad, we said that the Arabic word means ‘disbeliever’ and those who believe in Islam are called ‘momin’. Although it is a neutral word, it is now used in a negative sense. We said that there is no problem in stopping the use of that word.
Right-wingers often call Muslims jihadists and Pakistanis. They doubt the allegiance of Muslims. There is a need to prove patriotism at every opportunity. Muslims are also Indians. When told about this, Bhagwat said that we share the same DNA and majority of the Muslims here are converts. His stance is strong on the Shivalinga issue. It is welcome.” – said Qureshi.
Apart from Qureshi, former Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, Aligarh University Lieut. General Samir Uddin Shah, former MP Shahid Siddiqui and businessman Saeed Sherwani were also present.
English Summary: RSS Chief “Discussed Cow Slaughter, Disharmony” With Muslim Intellectuals